Curating our National Memory

A new special commemorative book by the Arts Council:

Made in England: Art and Culture in Changing Times

Celebrating 80 years of Public Investment in Creativity

Edited by Sarah Crown, Martin Prendergast & Nicholas Serota 

Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Comma Press

ISBN-13: 9781917093361

2026

To mark 80 years of public investment in culture and creativity, we’ve published Made in England: Art and Culture in Changing Times – a collection of essays, insights and creative contributions from artists, cultural leaders and critics. The book explores the role art and culture play in England today, and looks ahead to how creativity might shape the next 80 years. 

Culture and creativity are at the heart of England’s story. Our artists, writers, performers, producers and creators are recognised around the world, enriching our neighbourhoods, our country, and our lives. 

For the past 80 years, since the Arts Council’s creation, public investment in art and culture has helped people access inspiring creative experiences, develop talent and tell their stories. It has supported education and wellbeing, strengthened communities and enabled generations of artists to thrive. 

On our 80th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the impact of public support of culture and creativity – and why that support matters now more than ever. 

As Sir Nicholas Serota says in his introduction to the collection: “In marking 80 years of sustained investment in art and culture, we celebrate a nation made richer, happier, more inventive and more successful because of it. But that is not enough. We owe it to future generations to make the case that public investment should be sustained and increased over the next 80 years. We need to argue for the art that does not yet exist.” 

The book contains a contribution by our very own Ann Dindale:

Behind the Scenes at the Museum

Curating our National memory

Ann Dinsdale, principal curator of the Brontë Parsonage Museum, reflects on a career of caring for the sisters’ home: tracing how recovered manuscripts, household relics and conservation campaigns keep the Brontës’ legacy alive, and arguing for museums’ vital role in preserving our shared cultural story.