Regional and National Arts Development and Support

There are a number of national and regional organisations supporting the work of artists and communities of all ages, cultures and abilities. Chief of these is Arts Council England, but there are also a number of artform or audience based organisations, providing a range of free and member only services, some of whom are listed below.

Arts Council England (ACE)

ACE supports artists and arts activities through direct funding, advice, research and advocacy, as well as creating national projects to improve the quality of our arts experience and enrich people's lives. As the national development agency for the arts, ACE supports a range of artistic activities including theatre, music, literature, dance, photography, digital art, carnival and crafts. For details visit http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/ or call 0845 300 6200 or Textphone 01924 438585. The Yorkshire regional office is based in Dewsbury.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS)

This is the Department responsible for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Their aim is to improve the quality of life for all through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries. They are responsible for Government policy on the arts, and creative industries as well as historic buildings, and work with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on design issues, including sponsorship of the Design Council, and on relations with the computer games and publishing industries.  For details visit http://www.culture.gov.uk/

The National Campaign for the Arts (NCA)

The NCA is the UK 's independent organisation campaigning for all the arts. The NCA  runs the 'I Value the Arts' Campaign. To pledge your support for the arts, Click here  for more details visit NCA

Voluntary Arts Network (VAN)

Over half the adult population is involved in voluntary arts and crafts - undertaken for self-improvement, social networking and leisure, and not primarily for payment. Artforms include folk, dance, drama, literature, media, music, visual arts, crafts and applied arts, and festivals. VAN provides really useful information and briefings on training, funding and issues, for instance on starting a group and child protection. Membership is £25 pa for not-for-profit organisations. For details visit http://www.voluntaryarts.org/, call 02920 395395 or email info@voluntaryarts.org

Yorkshire Dance (YD)

YD supports dance across the region and has also developed a network of dance hubs specifically to help young people, teachers and practitioners make the most of dance opportunities in the region. For more information visit Everybody dances call YD on 0113 243 9867 or Community Arts on 01709 823636.

Jazz Yorkshire (JY)

JY is the regional development agency for jazz in Yorkshire and the Humber. JY Works with musicians, promoters, educators and audiences. For more information visit  Jazz Yorkshire

Screen Yorkshire (SY)

SY is the regional screen agency for Yorkshire and Humber, formed to inspire, promote and support the development of a successful film, TV, games and interactive media sector, offering funding advice, professional development, toolkits and an events calendar. For details visit  Screen Yorkshire or call 0113 294 4410.

English National Youth Arts Network (ENYAN)

ENYAN is a membership body supporting the diverse youth arts sector at national, regional and grass roots levels. ENYAN aims to raise the profile and support for youth arts within England and create more opportunities for the creative and personal development of young people, especially young people at risk. The free service includes e-newsletters and on-line funding information, advice and research. For more details visit  ENYAN

British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA)

BAFA is a membership organisation covering large and small arts festivals in the UK. BAFA welcomes membership from all types of arts festivals across a full range of art forms including music, dance, the visual arts, theatre, film, comedy and street arts. BAFA offers an email information service, research, training and professional development. Membership starts at £135 + VAT. for details visit BAFA

Arts & Business (A&B)

A&B has an office in Halifax, developing links between businesses and the arts, as well as providing training and other professional services. For details visit  A&B

Audiences Yorkshire (AY)

AY provides research, campaigns and audience development, and regional distribution of cultural events. The Dig Yorkshire site provides a What's On guide. For details visit AY  

Independant Street Arts Network (ISAN)

ISAN is an independent group of producers, presenters, promoters and artists working in outdoor arts from the UK and Ireland. They develop the outdoor arts sector through networking, lobbying, information-sharing, training, research, and advocacy support and advice for members.  For details visit ISAN

Last update: 11/10/2011