Arts Council England

Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts – like the British Tourist Authority (if there was such a thing) for arts and culture. We champion, develop and invest in artistic and cultural experiences. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections.

We believe that art and culture make life better, help to build diverse communities and improve our quality of life. Art and culture can inspire our education system, boost our economy and give our nation international standing. Between 2015 and 2018, we will invest £1.1 billion of public money from government and an estimated £700 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.

“Hull’s successful bid for City of Culture 2017 stems in part from the way that the city has worked with partners from government, from the University and from industry to bring business to Hull – and even in difficult times, the city kept its faith in the arts and never lost its creative soul. And I’m pleased to say that the Arts Council has worked with the City Council and the creative community in Hull in developing and sustaining the arts and cultural scene of the city. We supported the redevelopment of the Fruit Market into a successful cultural quarter and are continuing to invest in Hull through our National portfolio and Major partner museum programmes, in the Music Education Hub, in Roots and Wings and in the refurbishment of the Ferens Art Gallery.”

“We are contributing £3 million towards the City of Culture programme and one of our team is now based in Hull at least one day week, working with partners to continue developing that creative scene.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive