Publication of the Annual report for 2010/11 from a-n The Artists Information Company raises issues about how we measure performance in the subsidised visual arts. a-n’s mission is to stimulate and support contemporary visual arts and raise awareness of the value of artists in society.

Tracey Emin believes the visual arts have a key role to play in our country's economic growth.

Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate galleries and Gregor Muir, executive director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) examine just how much potential there is for the visual arts to contribute to the growth of the economy.

Listen to the broadcast: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9668000/9668788.stm

So, it's crept up again, December that is. There have been times recently when EMVAN has felt like hibernating and waiting until Spring to emerge rejuvanated and revitalised. But when there's work to be done, EMVAN's at the front of the queue and it's been a busy couple of months with the launch of this website, the first of the Curators' Coffees and Arena drop-ins, not to mention all the deals being made behind the scenes! 

14 February 2012, The Lowry, Salford

State of the arts, the national conference for the arts and culture sector, will return on 14 February 2012. Held in Salford, the event will be hosted by Arts Council England in conjunction with the BBC, The Lowry, Salford City Council and Manchester City Council.