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2nd December 2008

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British Council places arts in turmoil

19.12.07

The arts world is suddenly in turmoil, notes the Telegraph. News that the British Council, which promotes the arts abroad, is to disband many of its specialist departments coincides with changes to the funding of projects in this country that have left those affected feeling dazed and confused.

This week, we learned that the British Council's executive board has decided to disband its departments in film, drama, dance, literature, design, and the visual arts. This is happening at a time in history when it has never been more important for Britain to strengthen its cultural ties with other countries. Tate director Nicholas Serota paid tribute to the "astonishing job the British Council, and particularly the visual arts department, has done over a 50-year period" in promoting British art abroad, and added: "It is a surprise to learn that the council should abort its work in the visual arts, apparently without external consultation."

Telegraph

British Council arts