Made in England

About

Culture and creativity are at the heart of England’s story. Our writers, artists, producers and creators are world-leading. For the last 80 years, since the Arts Council’s creation, public investment has underpinned a national commitment to artistic freedom, excellence and access, fuelling economic and civic success, supporting education and wellbeing, and helping successive generations to discover talent, share stories, and find wonder. This anniversary is a moment to reflect on everything public support for art and culture has achieved for our country – and why that support matters now more than ever.

Made in England gathers essays, arguments and creative contributions from artists, leaders and critics. Spanning personal reflection, practical case studies and big picture analysis, this book explores the unique role of art and culture in changing times – and casts its gaze forward to consider how that role will evolve over the next 80 years. Contributors examine how public funding of culture has shaped vibrant communities, nurtured global talent and enabled thrilling experimentation. Together, they celebrate what’s been built, make the case for how it can be improved upon – and argue passionately for ongoing investment in the creativity of generations to come.

Carlos Acosta on ballet
Ann Dinsdale on museums
James Graham on theatre
Darren Henley on excellence
David Harewood on youth theatre
Nigel Higgins on the case for investment
Lubaina Himid on the Arts Council Collection
Sarah Housley on art and the future
Sam Jackson on classical music
David Joseph on creativity
Dave Moutrey, Jess Prendergrast & Annabel Turpin on arts centres
Jacqui O’Hanlon on art in education
Amanda Parker on art and diversity
Bobby Seagull on libraries
Professor Jack Stilgoe on AI
Jo Verrent on disability and the arts

Featuring poetry and fiction by Simon Armitage, Naomi Alderman, Victoria Adukwei Bulley and Daljit Nagra.

Illustrations by Chris Riddell
With an introduction by Sir Nicholas Serota