May 22, 2026
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Arts Council’s lies about classical equality

Arts Council’s lies about classical equality

Responding to Wigmore Hall’s withdrawal from its patronage, Arts Council Enngland’s CEO Darren Henley said this:

‘The idea that we don’t believe in, celebrate, invest in classical music is nonsense. We are here for every art form, every geography, every type of music.

‘We’re [supporting] world class, internationally significant work and a network of grassroots live music venues in towns across the country. They’re all equally as important as each other.’

These statements are demonstrably untrue.

Henley knows that his director of music told various organizations that they were ‘lucky to get anything’. Other staff members were no less contemptuous of classical organisations.

ACE under Serota and Henley has demolished English National Opera and destabilised Welsh, defunded Glyndbourne Touring and devastated orchestral provision in the east of England.

No other art form has suffered such extensive prejudice.

‘Equally as important’?

That’s a false statement, Darren, and you know it.

The post Arts Council’s lies about classical equality appeared first on Slippedisc.

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