Would you prefer ACE’s national and regional councils to be populated entirely with people who have no involvement in the arts sector? Why would this be better? Do you doubt the integrity of the current council members? What is the solution? Your innuendo is unbecoming.
NL replies: No, Tim. Cusom and practise dictates that people who are actively running arts orgs, or have very recently done so, shd not sit on the funding body. There is a huge depth of experience in ex-administrators and non-administrators who can be called upon. See my book on Covent Garden for history and precedent.
But it’s a very small world – whether someone is currently an administrator or not, all will have agendas, and personal connections to funded organisations whether current or past. You need a good mix – including people who are currently active and engaged in the arts world. As long as individuals are not directly involved in funding decisions regarding the organisation they run (and as you say, they must leave the room) – I’m not sure it’s as scandalous as you’re making out.
Norman Lebrecht
Author, novelist, broadcaster, cultural commentator.
blog | AJBlog Central | Contact me | Advertise | Follow me: 
Would you prefer ACE’s national and regional councils to be populated entirely with people who have no involvement in the arts sector? Why would this be better? Do you doubt the integrity of the current council members? What is the solution? Your innuendo is unbecoming.
NL replies: No, Tim. Cusom and practise dictates that people who are actively running arts orgs, or have very recently done so, shd not sit on the funding body. There is a huge depth of experience in ex-administrators and non-administrators who can be called upon. See my book on Covent Garden for history and precedent.
But it’s a very small world – whether someone is currently an administrator or not, all will have agendas, and personal connections to funded organisations whether current or past. You need a good mix – including people who are currently active and engaged in the arts world. As long as individuals are not directly involved in funding decisions regarding the organisation they run (and as you say, they must leave the room) – I’m not sure it’s as scandalous as you’re making out.