THE Arts Council is a group that has been dedicated to funding arts across the UK for more than 70 years.
It was founded in 1946 by Royal Charter, its goal to champion and develop art and culture across the country.
The organisation is run by an executive board, but also has National and Area Councils that contribute to its governance.
The Arts Council served the entire country until 1994 when it was split up, with separate groups given control of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
They are funded by the government, with money coming from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Arts Council through the decades has funded some of the most iconic artistic endeavours in the UK.
Some of its hallmark investments include The Sage in Gateshead, The Southbank Centre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
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