The English National Opera (ENO) has released a statement announcing it will start the process of applying for an award of up to £24 million from Arts Council England (ACE). ACE has set this provisional budget for the 2024-26 period.
In the statement the ENO also mentions that its future plans will be ‘based on a reimagined artistic and business model’ which will see the company move its primary base outside of London while continuing to own and perform at the London Coliseum. The ENO will also aim to be ‘in a strong position’ to apply to become an ACE National Portfolio Organisation from 2026.
This follows a public outcry against the decision to provide major cuts to public funding in a selection of arts organisations.The English National Opera is one of the most high-profile cases, having had its NPO funding cut and originally being offered £17 million to relocate to Manchester.
The statement, released on Twitter and on the ENO website also said: ‘the provisional budget of up to £24 million investment for 2024-25 and 2025-26 is to support the ENO make a phased transition to this new artistic and business model, and will include work split between their new main base and London. This will be subject to application and assessment with a decision by the Arts Council expected this summer.’
The Musicians’ Union has responded to the news, saying it welcomes the announcement, but called for more notice and consultation for big changes such as this. The organisation also warns that keeping ACE funding for the company at the same level for the next three years represents a real-terms 24% cut since 2015 when current high levels of inflation and the cost of a new primary base are factored in.
MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman said: ‘English National Opera is a forward-thinking, creative and accessible opera company with an incredibly talented and experienced staff of musicians, singers and crew. It must not be allowed to dwindle or wither on the vine. We will continue to argue for increased funding and a return to National Portfolio status in the next funding round.’
Elsewhere, ACE and the DfE have announced eight new National Youth Music Organisations, raising the total number from seven to fifteen.
