Letter:Arts Council's role in the lottery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Lord Gowrie
Sir: Your in general kind and accurate description of the structure of the Arts Council (18 February) contains one important error of fact, one of omission and one of interpretation. The Lottery Board of the council does not allocate the lottery funds; only the council as a whole may do that. The board advises Peter Gummer, who in turn advises the council, of which he is a member. You omit any mention of two significant areas of the Arts Council's work - combined arts, and film, video and broadcasting.
You also describe Mary Allen and myself as dirigiste. The council's Royal Charter, and its system of public accountability for tax payers' money, require us to decide the strategy and count the pennies. But outside that overall frame, great strides are being made to involve us more closely with both the regional arts boards and the wider public, and quite right, too.
Yours sincerely,
GOWRIE
Chairman
Arts Council of England
London, SW1
20 February
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments