Arts Council England places English National Opera and firstsite under special funding agreements

Arts Council England announced on 12 February 2015 that the English National Opera and firstsite gallery in Colchester will not be included in the National Portfolio three-year funding scheme for 2015-18. Instead, both organizations will operate under special funding agreements due to concerns about their governance and business models. Althea Efunshile, the Acting Chief Executive of Arts Council England, stated that improvements are expected, or funding could be withdrawn. The new arrangements involve close collaboration to restructure their business models and set progress objectives. English National Opera will receive two years of revenue funding at £12.38 million annually, plus £6.13 million in transition funding. firstsite is offered a one-year agreement combining NPO revenue funding of £814,517 with transition funding, pending confirmation. Successful collaboration could lead to future inclusion in the portfolio.