The Stage

Purnell promises an end to “crude” targets for the arts

Published Friday 6 July 2007 at 13:45 by Matthew Hemley

Newly appointed culture secretary James Purnell has vowed to release arts organisations from the pressure of “crude targets” and instead look at how the government can empower “artists and organisations to be the best”.

Speaking at the National Portrait Gallery today, Purnell said: “Targets were probably necessary in 1997 to force a change of direction in some parts of the arts world.

“But now we risk idolising them. Without change, we risk treating culture like it’s an old fashioned, unresponsive public service - not a modern complex network of activity.”

He added that he wanted to “throw away the packaging of targetolatry” and said: “We need the frank opinion of experts who’ll be able to tell us how we can remove crude targets and empower artists and organisations to be the best. Can we free up the majority of cultural organisations who are already succeeding and focus our targets on the minority who need to change?”

Purnell said he had asked Brian McMaster, former Edinburgh International Festival director, to advise him on the “preconditions for excellence” and how his department can “promote this in a rational, non-bureaucratic way”, working alongside the Arts Council England. McMaster will report back to Purnell in the autumn.

Purnell also addressed the idea that Labour’s insistence on using targets to widen access had resulted in a “dumbing down” of the arts.

He said: “I remember the accusations - that widening access equalled dumbing down. We said that the choice between excellence and access was false. You’ve shown it to be false.”

Although admitting access will continue to be “vital”, he said it will not be the only thing he focuses on in his new role.

He said: “I’m interested in what people have access to. If any part of our cultural sector is substandard, doesn’t take risks, doesn’t push barriers, it’s not worth anything.”

Purnell also warned arts organisations to expect a “tough spending round”.

Responding to the speech, Arts Council England chief executive Peter Hewitt said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s speech today, which acknowledges the immense value of the arts to English life.

“We also welcome the appointment of our national council member Brian McMaster to report to James Purnell on how best to define and encourage artistic excellence.”