Future Arts Centres members came together at the Southbank Centre in March for a day of shared thinking, challenge and practical exchange.

To celebrate the Southbank’s 75th anniversary, we began with a provocation from Artistic Director Mark Ball, reflecting on what it means to lead arts centres through a period he described as one of ‘profound uncertainty’. His framing, that in moments like this we ‘hold hands’ and stay close to our communities, set the tone for the day. Conversations that followed picked up on familiar questions about openness, democracy, place and purpose.

But it was the afternoon discussion, focused on political change, that felt most urgent.

Drawing on a recent FAC survey, members shared a clear picture of the pressures many are navigating including uncertainty around funding, shifting political priorities and a growing sense of exposure to polarised or hostile public debate. It was clear that these risks are already shaping planning, partnerships and day to day decision making.

The discussions focused on practical approaches to mitigating these risks, allowing members to share their experience with each other.

On funding, there was a strong steer towards being more intentional in how relationships with politicians are built. That means sustained engagement across parties, not just at moments of crisis. It means being clear about how arts centres deliver against civic priorities, and making the case for culture in ways that land, whether economic, social or community focused. Members also spoke about diversifying income, strengthening partnerships and securing longer term commitments where possible.

On safety, the conversation reflected a changing operating context. Many organisations are seeing increased pressure on staff and heightened concern for audiences, particularly those from minoritised communities. Responses focused on preparedness: clearer protocols, staff training and stronger links with local services, making sure policies match what teams are actually dealing with.

On programming, the tension was clear: how do we maintain space for challenge and new work while navigating a climate that can discourage risk taking? Members talked about being explicit about values, creating space for nuanced conversation and resisting drift into self censorship, while also being realistic about how work is framed and supported.

Across all three areas, three things came through strongly: the importance of relationships, the need to be proactive and the value of acting collectively where possible.

Whilst the morning asked big questions about the future of arts centres, the afternoon grounded that in the present. What emerged was not a single answer, but a shared recognition that this is a moment to be deliberate about what we stand for, how we make our case and how we support each other as a network.