Voxpop

Ben Cowell, director for the East of England, National Trust

“Heritage, culture and the arts have been devolved matters from the beginning, but this hasn’t stopped some really positive partnerships developing across borders. There is much to commend an even more joined-up approach, but how much authority would this carry at a time when the future of the UK itself appears to be in question?
Just as important would be to continue to demonstrate how heritage, culture and the arts can be integrated into the work of Local Enterprise Partnerships. Or how they
can tap into pan-European funding streams.”

Eric Langham, director, Barker Langham

“As the UK government has become increasingly fragmented it is necessary to have a much more joined-up approach to planning arts and culture. As cultural planners we are acutely aware that there are clear thematic and practical links between culture, business and education and a comprehensive and inclusive plan between these departments will create more meaningful experiences for audiences and comprehensive support for practitioners. This collaborative approach could highlight strategic regional needs and more clearly link the benefits of culture and the economy.”

David Anderson, director-general, Amgueddfa Cymru (National Museum Wales)

“Culture is a devolved responsibility. In Wales we have a museums strategy and are conducting a review of local museums. We are also implementing national reports on culture and poverty, and arts and education. In thrall to neoliberalism, and suspicious of strategies, the English government has done none of this. But broadcasting has not been devolved and here the BBC is failing abjectly to provide impartial coverage of the arts across the UK."

Chris Bailey, chief executive, Northern Ireland Museums Council

“One cannot argue with the thrust of the Warwick report in its desire to maximise the cultural, economic and social returns of the cultural and creative industries. But in calling for joined-up policy making and a national plan, it begs such questions as which ‘nation’ and what is being ‘joined-up’. Culture is devolved, and as the strategies for museums in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland show, there is richness in the diverse approaches to addressing identified barriers and inequalities. Join-up to learn from each other, yes. But a national plan, I’m not sure.”