ENO to secure £24 million in ACE funding in 2024

The English National Opera (ENO) has today 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 today’s statement the ENO also mentions that it’s 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.

The statement, released on Twitter and on the ENO website also said: ‘the provisional budget of up to £24million 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 (MU) 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.’