The Arts

The Arts have the power to transform lives and communities and to create opportunities for people throughout the country.

 Everyone responds to artistic experiences differently. We may be inspired, thrilled or challenged by the experience; we may respond emotionally, intellectually, physically or spiritually. The capacity to engage us directly and in different ways is one of the strengths of the arts. It can also make artistic quality difficult to talk about and define.

Central government funding for the arts is channelled through Arts Council England (ACE). ACE has regional offices which work closely with local authorities to help them address local priorities and needs. It aims to develop and promote the arts across England.  Although completely funded by the DCMS, it acts as an independent body at arms length from government and works to get more art to more people in more places. As well as providing advice, guidance and development opportunities, it also distributes public funding from the Government and the National Lottery. Between 2006 and 2008, the Arts Council will invest ң1.1 billion of public money from government and the National Lottery in supporting the arts.

The Arts Council represents the following artforms, which each have their own languages, histories and perspectives.

  • visual arts
  • crafts
  • architecture
  • media arts
  • literature
  • performing arts (theatre, music, dance, festival, arts centres and participatory arts)

For more information about the Arts in the South East, please click on the links on the left.