Aligning Government Missions & Environmental Responsibility -ACE’s Delivery Plan 24-27- Explored!
Welcome back to our series exploring the Arts Council England's 2024-27 Delivery Plan. This week, we're diving into the dual challenges of aligning with government missions and embracing environmental responsibility. Both present huge opportunities for the cultural sector, but they also come with their own set of hurdles. Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved.
Aligning with Government Missions: A Pipe Dream?
The Delivery Plan talks a big game about how the arts can boost economic growth, improve public health, and bring communities together. But how realistic is this alignment with government missions? For many cultural organisations, navigating the policy landscape can feel like a minefield.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies highlights some of the economic pressures facing the UK, with public spending cuts affecting sectors across the board, including the arts. To make a strong case for the arts, organisations need to demonstrate their value in a way that resonates with government objectives. This means showing how the arts contribute to job creation, tourism, and innovation, as well as public health and community resilience.
Strategic advocacy and partnership building are crucial here. Organisations need to engage with policymakers and funders, ensuring the arts are recognised as a vital part of public policy. The Nesta report emphasises the need for better data collection and analysis to prove the impact of cultural initiatives.
Engaging with Policymakers
So, how can organisations effectively engage with policymakers? It starts with building relationships and understanding the policy agenda. This means staying informed about policy developments and being ready to adapt to new funding opportunities. Successful advocacy efforts often hinge on the ability to present compelling data and stories that highlight the arts' impact.
Cross-sector collaboration is another key strategy. By partnering with sectors like health, education, and social services, cultural organisations can maximise their impact and align more closely with government missions.
Environmental Responsibility in the Arts
Now, let’s talk about the environment. The Delivery Plan is all about reducing the cultural sector’s carbon footprint, but many organisations find this easier said than done. The challenges are real: limited resources, lack of expertise, and the financial strain of implementing sustainable practices.
According to Julie's Bicycle, while many organisations are committed to sustainability, they often lack the infrastructure and support needed to make it happen. The Delivery Plan needs to address these gaps, offering guidance on best practices and resources for sustainability.
But let's be clear: environmental responsibility isn't just a box to tick for the arts sector—it's an essential commitment for everyone. Climate change is a global issue that affects us all, and every sector, from business to education, must play its part. The arts have a unique role to inspire and lead by example, but this is a collective effort. We all need to step up and embrace sustainable practices to safeguard our planet for future generations.
Opportunities for Leadership
Despite the challenges, there’s a real opportunity for the cultural sector to lead by example in environmental stewardship. By embracing sustainable practices, organisations can inspire positive change and set new standards for the industry.
Collaboration is key here too. By working together and sharing knowledge, organisations can build a culture of sustainability. This might involve partnerships with environmental organisations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to drive systemic change.
Conclusion
Aligning with government missions and embracing environmental responsibility are no small feats, but they’re essential for the future of the arts. By positioning the arts as a strategic partner in achieving national goals, cultural organisations can secure the support and resources they need to thrive.
At WithByFor, we're passionate about helping cultural organisations navigate these challenges. Our expertise in co-creation and innovation equips leaders with the tools they need to align with government missions and embrace sustainability. Together, we can ensure the arts remain a vibrant and vital part of our society.
