Future Arts Centres welcomes the responses from DCMS and Arts Council England to the Hodge Review, and the clear direction it sets for the next phase of national cultural strategy.

We are particularly encouraged by the proposed new Strategic Framework to succeed Let’s Create. A simpler, more focused framework that allows organisations’ strengths to come through is a positive step. However, it is vitally important that this builds on, rather than moves away from, the foundations of Let’s Create. The continued emphasis on diversity and inclusion, alongside a clear statement that excellence matters, feels like the right balance.

Ensuring that all communities can access high quality cultural experiences, and have opportunities to develop their creative potential, must remain central. Let’s Create has laid important groundwork and the next phase should build on that progress, not reset it.

As work begins on a new ten year strategy from autumn 2026, it will be important that this reflects these strengths and responds to the realities the sector is facing.

The commitment to embedding community voice, starting with the next National Portfolio round and supported by investment in the Citizens’ Voices programme, is also welcome.

Future Arts Centres is ready to support this commitment. Our members work closely with their communities every day, shaping programmes with people rather than for them. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Arts Council England to help develop approaches that are genuinely useful, rooted in place, and workable for organisations of different scales and contexts.

We also welcome the reaffirmation of the arm’s length principle and its role in protecting artistic freedom. This remains essential, particularly in a more challenging and contested political environment.

The commitment to simplifying systems is another positive step. The planned overhaul, supported by investment from DCMS, should make a real difference if it delivers on its promise of clearer communication, fewer information requests, and processes that are easier to navigate.

There are also areas within the response that will require further development, and support from across government and the sector to deliver fully.

Future Arts Centres is keen to work with Arts Council England and others to support the case for increased investment in culture, including exploring new ways to unlock capital and strengthen financial resilience. We are also interested in contributing to work on building resilience across the sector, including around individual giving and the development of the proposed Innovation and Development Service.

It is clear that ACE recognises the importance of international collaboration, which we fully endorse. The UK’s cultural sector continues to play a significant role globally, and there is more to do to support exchange, partnership and stronger relationships, including with European colleagues.

There is still more to do. In particular, we would like to see a stronger focus on supporting young people’s creativity, both as part of everyday life and as a pathway into the creative economy. Future Arts Centres will continue to make the case for this.

We look forward to working together to turn these commitments into practical change for the sector and the communities we serve.