Arts Council England spreads the wealth

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced the three recipients of its Ambition for Excellence awards. The three projects will receive GBP1,645,900 (€1.9m) between them for work that supports talent development.

East Contemporary Visual Art Network will receive GBP600,000 for its project ‘New Geographies of the East’, which will promote the creation of visual artworks. It will also try to develop audiences for contemporary artwork.

Humber Museums Partnership’s ‘Surroundings’ scheme will get GBP547,000 for public art commissions made on environmental themes. 16 museums are taking part across the region, with a young curator’s project, residencies and exhibitions also part of the programme.

Finally, ‘Diverse Actions’ from Cambridge Junction is slated for GBP498,500 in funding to support ambition, excellence and talent among Black and minority ethnic artists. It will also promote discussion and debate on the issue of cultural diversity in England.

Programme director Alison Clark said: ‘These awards will develop work of exceptional quality across the country while building the strong networks necessary to continue and amplify that work over time. We’re pleased to see the creative case boldly written through these programmes; it’s an essential factor in supporting the growth of an exciting and diverse arts sector.’

More than 80 per cent of Ambition for Excellence’s funding will be spent outside London, as part of ACE’s goal to commit 75 per cent of Lottery funding outside London by 2018.

artscouncil.org.uk