London, UK – Arts Council England (ACE) has unveiled its new Strategic Framework, signaling a significant shift in its approach to funding and supporting the arts and culture sector. This new strategy replaces the widely debated "Let's Create" roadmap, which was introduced in 2020 with the aim of democratizing arts and culture and promoting inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
A New Direction for Arts Funding
The decision to replace "Let's Create" follows an independent review, led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, which characterized the previous strategy as "prescriptive." The review recommended that ACE adopt a new, less rigid approach that would empower individual organizations and artists to leverage their unique strengths. The new Strategic Framework, announced on May 28, 2026, by ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley, aims to address these concerns by focusing on supporting "excellent work for everybody everywhere."
Henley stated that the new framework represents the "next stage" in ACE's commitment to artists and organizations across the country. The Arts Council has committed to exploring all recommendations from Baroness Hodge's review, including the call for a more "ambitious" and "simple" strategy that allows for greater autonomy in funding applications. The "Let's Create" plan, a decade-long vision, had faced criticism for concentrating funding heavily on established art forms and for potentially limiting the creative freedom of regional arts bodies.
Addressing Staff Frustration and Systemic Stress
In parallel with the strategic overhaul, the interim chief executive of the British Library, Dr. Jeremy Silver, acknowledged the "frustration" experienced by staff, particularly those on the front lines. His comments, made on May 28, 2026, come after a period of significant disruption for the national library, including a major cyber attack in October 2023. The aftermath of the hack, which involved the compromise of approximately 600GB of data, contributed to workplace stress and was cited as a reason for employee strikes in December 2025. Dr. Silver expressed hope for open and frank internal conversations to resolve ongoing issues, moving away from industrial action.
The British Library's challenges highlight broader systemic issues within cultural institutions, where recovery from cyber threats and the implementation of new security measures can create additional burdens for staff. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which led the striking workers, had called for a pay uplift alongside addressing workplace conditions. Discussions regarding pay and other issues are reportedly ongoing between the library and its staff.
Looking Ahead: Quality, Innovation, and Inclusivity
The Arts Council's new Strategic Framework is expected to foster a more dynamic and responsive arts sector. By emphasizing "quality" and allowing organizations to apply based on their "unique contribution," ACE aims to cultivate innovation and ensure that funding reaches diverse and impactful projects. The shift away from a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all approach is intended to empower regional creativity and support a wider range of artistic endeavors. The success of this new framework will likely be measured by its ability to revitalize the arts landscape, foster new talent, and ensure greater accessibility and engagement for audiences across the UK.