Barry Smith

I deplore the recent spate of UK arts quangoes issuing edicts cutting this and that (for the Olympics 2012?) with little regard for the work, history, achievements, intentions and potential of the organisations being given summary notice. Surprise cuts have replaced policy. This example by ACW is particularly gross but ACE and AHRC have acted no better in recent months. Quango officials are paid and given budgets to develop their charges not terminate them: they are certainly not there to create needless runarounds resulting in petitions etc that sap energy and make UK arts organisation look crass internationally. Isn’t it time to demand some resignations and to replace pocket dictators with systems that are more knowledgeable and sensitive to the work being undertaken?

Barry Smith