English Touring Opera (ETO) welcomes today’s responses to Baroness Hodge's independent review from Arts Council England and Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and are delighted that ACE has engaged so deeply with feedback from the sector in its response.

We particularly support the prospect of streamlined processes and reporting for National Portfolio Organisations in the future. We are delighted that the championing of diversity, equity and inclusion will remain at the heart of ACE’s Let’s Create strategy, while also appreciating a renewed emphasis on artistic excellence.

We also welcome ACE’s commitment to greater support for freelancers in the sector. Much of our work depends on the talents and dedication of freelance practitioners, and ensuring this remains a viable career path is essential to the continued success of the creative sector.

We look forward to learning more about the new Touring Service and working with ACE and government to ensure that the touring sector receives the support it needs. Delivering better and more comprehensive artistic outcomes can only be done with adequate financial support, and so we encourage ACE and DCMS to invest the resources necessary to ensure communities across the country can continue to access world class artistic experiences.