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The MLA has reacted positively to Culture Minister Margaret Hodge’s announcement of plans to strengthen cultural engagement in regional policy through a simplified and more joined up way of working.
The announcement follows a review led by the Minister in which the MLA played an active role championing improved links with local government and the need to end duplication and maximise value for money.
The new arrangements place greater emphasis on joint delivery of a core set of shared priorities across the culture and sport agenda involving MLA, Arts Council England, Sport England and English Heritage.
MLA Director Paul Lander said:
“The review is good news for frontline services and through our own restructure we are setting the pace to move this agenda forward. We are creating a regional presence that is flexible, fast on its feet and fully committed to the concept of joint working. We are already talking to our partners about how we develop the new working arrangements at a regional level, make the best use of available resources and deliver for local government. We will ensure that Museums, Libraries and Archives make a strong contribution to regional strategies and their users really benefit from the new arrangements.
The announcement aims to ensure government's contribution to culture and sport is planned in a cost effective and joined up way at a regional level. That has been our philosophy throughout our reorganisation.”
MLA is already working closely with the other cultural agencies on key agendas including the Living Places Partnership making the case for culture in regeneration, plans for the Cultural Olympiad and the ‘Find Your Talent’ programme, as well as jointly supporting the improvement of local government cultural services.
