Dance Mapping - Arts Council England

story and set of ambitions in relation to key artforms. This is a necessary prerequisite to us
having a robust national overview across the portfolio before the next exercise in allocating
resources, knowing the scale and achievement of our current ambitions and being clearer
what our future ambitions will be.’
Arts Council England response to the McIntosh report (2008)
The dance field must recognise the above trends and shifts and consider the implications of
the new directions being taken by Arts Council England. As a major funder of the
infrastructure, Arts Council England’s policy and direction will always have a significant
impact on the field. Resource dependency brings with it a vulnerability to change. The dance
field must recognise these changes and shifts and respond accordingly if it is to thrive. But
what is most heartening about the shifts is the partnership approach being adopted. McIntosh
stated:
‘Arts Council England also needs to recognise that while it must have its own strategic
priorities; these should be based in a proper understanding of what artists want to create. As
one witness remarked, “nobody makes art in response to Arts Council England policy”. Such
understanding can only be gained from placing the arts at the centre of everything Arts
Council England does, which may seem blindingly obvious, but needs restating nonetheless.
This will require everyone involved, including senior officers and council members, to
maintain a more direct and visible connection to the work they fund. Responsibility for
reasserting this core purpose lies primarily with the national leadership team, both executive
and non-executive.’
Agency audit
Arts Council England has been carrying out a review of the agencies it supports
simultaneously to the mapping research and this work will be finalised in Autumn 2009 further
to the completion of the Dance mapping research.
3. Government policy and trends
In 2004 government responded to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport
Committee report on Dance. 15 This marked a significant landmark for dance in relation to
government policy and practice in the dance field.
15 Government response to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee report on Arts Development: Dance (HC 587-1)
session 2003-04
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