The document states 'The non-professional voluntary sector (‘amateur’) is fundamental to the health of the arts in England. It is crucial that Arts Council respects its importance and considers its needs and potential in all it is doing to increase sustainable capacity to support higher levels of ongoing engagement. Arts Council England will agree and deliver a plan with Voluntary Arts England over the next three years.'
This follows Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England stating recently :'The cultural health of the nation is reliant as much on those who do not get paid for their artistic contribution as those that do... The sector is not an appendix or footnote to the arts in England today - voluntary and amateur activity plays a leading role in the core script.'
Click here to Download Public Engagement in the Arts – Arts Council England’s Role 2008-11 (pdf - 230k)