ASCEL Conference Brian Ashley, Director, Libraries 8 November 2013 The Hive Library, University of Worcester – opened July 2012. Photo: Michael Cameron Photography

The Arts Council, libraries and children & young people A whistle-stop tour in 15 mins Arts Council and libraries – our particular role Arts Council and children & young people – a refreshed strategy Envisioning the library of the future – our approach to development and partnership Opportunities and shared interests

Arts Council England and public libraries ACE is asked by Government to act as the designated development agency for public libraries in England. It is one of several organisations who share the responsibility for the well-being of libraries in England. ACE has four particular contributions: • The power to convene • Brokering partnership and funding opportunities • Stimulate the cultural and creative role of libraries in contributing great art for everyone • The ‘single cultural conversation’ nationally and locally

Arts Council England and children + young people Arts Council England’s new refreshed strategy: Goal 5 Every child + young person has the opportunity to experience the richness of the arts, museums and libraries” Success will look like: • more children + young people receive a high quality cultural education in and out of school arts organisations, museums and libraries are delivering high quality arts + cultural experiences for children + young people

Arts Council England and children + young people What will we do: Advocate - a coherent, national approach Develop - local partnerships; in + out of school Invest - ‘by, with, for’ Making progress….. • Cultural Education toolkit to measure opportunities Artsmark to measure breadth/quality of cultural education Track links between arts/cultural organisations + schools Develop national quality measures

Envisioning the library of the future Paignton Library, Devon Photo: Michael Cameron Photography

Envisioning – why do it and what was it? Libraries development role moves from MLA to ACE • Need for strong evidence base at a time of change • Focus for future development What was it? • In-depth research over 12 months • Literature review, trends analysis + professional practice • Dialogue with sector, partners, public & wider stakeholders • Nearly 5,000 separate contributions

Envisioning – what did it say? A clear, compelling + continuing need for a publicly funded library service Libraries are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. In them people can explore and share reading, information, knowledge and culture Three ingredients define the public library Safe creative community space; enjoyable/easy to use; physical + virtual Excellent range of quality books, digital resources etc Well-trained, friendly people

Envisioning – what did it say? Libraries contribution to wider outcomes: Literacy + learning skills Business + economic growth Understanding ourselves and our place in the world Explore our own culture and creativity Health + well-being Democracy + citizenship

Envisioning – priorities and partners Development priorities: • Place the library at the heart of the community • Make the most of digital technology and creative media • Ensure that libraries are resilient and sustainable • Deliver the right skills for those who work in libraries and lead them Partners: DCMS; Local Government Association; Society of Chief Librarians; CILIP; British Library; Arts Council England

The work of the Arts Council Working for Children and young people

The work of the Arts Council: children and young people • Envisioning is relevant • ACE Quality Principles & the ASCEL Children’s Promise • Arts Award + Arts Mark • ‘Bridge’ organisations Cultural education agenda Libraries development initiative • Libraries: Grants for the arts • Working with partners ASCEL Children’s Promise - Vision: Every child and young person visiting a public library should be inspired by an exciting environment which makes reading for pleasure irresistible. They should be able to find a range of books and information resources to support growing confidence in literacy and formal and informal learning. There should be opportunities for participation in a range of fun reading and book-based activities. They should be consulted on the service developments that affect them The public library should be accessible and welcoming to all children This offer focuses on children and young people from birth to sixteen

Thank you www.artscouncil.org.uk Staircase at Dalston CLR James Library, London. Photo: Michael Cameron Photography