We have just announced the names of 99 successful applicants, representing more than 200 venues across England, which have been invited to take part in a pilot scheme to give away 618,000 free theatre tickets to under 26 year olds in the next two years. To find out more, click on the image to the right.

Liz Forgan, former Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, will take over as the new Chair of Arts Council England when Sir Christopher Frayling leaves at the end of January.

We are currently consulting on proposals to introduce new processes of self-assessment and peer review for all our regularly funded organisations. Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/consultation, or click on the image to the right to read the consultation document and respond online.

Our Chief Executive, Alan Davey, gave a lecture to a packed audience at the RSA on ‘The courage of funders: risk and innovation in an age of artistic excellence’. Click on the image to the right to read the full transcript and watch the video

Our mission for the next three years is great art for everyone. Our plan, Great art for everyone 2008-2011 sets out how we will do it. Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/plan to find out more.

Own Art, the Arts Council's interest free loan scheme, is now open to new galleries interested in joining the membership. The application round closes on 9 January 2009. For more information on how to apply, click the image on the right

Our Own Art scheme, which makes it easy and affordable for everyone to buy contemporary works of art, has launched www.myownartcollection.org.uk. Create a virtual room for a chance to win £500 to buy a real piece of art for your home