“Private Sector Policy for the Arts”: the policy implementer dilemma

Abstract

This paper will review one of the policy tools outlined by both A&B and DCMS: matching grants. One could argue that this review is unnecessary. After all, the ultimate test in policy-making is whether a policy proposal is implemented. In that respect, A&B's proposal was proven right. What remains unclear is whether this is a case of a “garbage can” approach to policy-making. Did DCMS adopt A&B's matching grants because they were there for the taking? Or did DCMS engage in a necessarily fast but thorough review of the evidence to support their policy proposals? Are matching grants a better option than, for example, tax incentives? Is there any evidence that matching grants will increase revenue for the cultural sector? And even if they do, what evidence do we have that they will be beneficial for the rest of society?

Keywords:

• matching grants
• public funding for the arts
• cultural policy
• DCMS
• Arts & Business
• tax incentives

Notes

The author worked as Head of Research, Evaluation and Information at A&B from 2005 to 2007. This review is inevitably coloured by that experience. Potential biases have been reduced by the academic coverage used to support the main insights in this article.