Classical music and opera are vital to the arts, and Arts Council England (ACE) strongly supports this, its chief executive has asserted in response to criticism from a prominent figure in the arts. Darren Henley, who oversees ACE, the organization that allocates public and lottery funds to arts organizations in England, emphasized that investing in classical music is a central part of the council’s agenda.

Henley aimed to reassure the arts sector after John Gilhooly, the artistic and executive director of Wigmore Hall in London, expressed concern that ACE had lost the confidence of people within the classical music community. Wigmore Hall, a prestigious concert venue, announced that from 2026, it will no longer receive public subsidies through ACE. Instead, the venue has secured £10 million in donations, which will enable it to maintain its independence and pursue artistic endeavors without public funding.

Gilhooly defended ACE’s role and acknowledged its support in helping Wigmore Hall achieve its current position. However, he criticized ACE’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy, arguing that it mistakenly applies the same criteria to both community events and renowned artists, suggesting a loss of direction.

Wigmore Hall is deeply involved in community outreach, as evidenced by its ‘Music for Life’ program for individuals with dementia and its school’s program. Nevertheless, Gilhooly lamented that the decimation of arts and music education in schools has severely limited the opportunities for young people to develop their creativity and confidence through music.

John Tusa, who previously led the Barbican arts center, criticized ACE for becoming more of a regulator than an advocate for the arts, arguing that such regulatory behavior is detrimental to artistic excellence. He advocated for a balanced approach that values both high art and community art projects.

The government has ordered a review of ACE, which annually distributes over £500 million in public funds and more than £250 million from the national lottery, employing over 650 people. This review aims to improve public engagement with the arts across the UK.

ACE responded by refuting any notion that it undervalues classical music, affirming its commitment to all art forms, genres, and regions. In its latest funding round, ACE allocated substantial sums to classical music and opera organizations, dance companies, and venues that feature classical music.

The ‘Let’s Create’ strategy intends to ensure everyone has the chance to develop their creativity and engage with high-quality cultural work, including interactions with professional performers. ACE aims to not only preserve traditional arts but also make them accessible to new audiences.

However, Henley acknowledged the limited availability of funds, suggesting that securing income through private donations can allow public funds to be redirected where they are most needed. Despite receiving an annual ACE grant of £345,000, Wigmore Hall’s primary income comes from ticket sales, sponsors, and donors, with the venue hosting around 600 concerts annually.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/29/arts-council-england-classic-music-opera-funding-strategy