Assistance can be provided in several ways, by funding,
tax-breaks, legislation, the establishment of a proper broadcasting regime,
support for research, etc.
Different issues will require different approaches and
there should be a flexible and imaginative approach to the identification of the
best means to further specific projects.
Most often, the provision of funding to qualified and
responsible groups and individuals will be the appropriate way to support
particular projects. Such groups and individuals must be identified and
recognised. Funding agencies will necessarily need to employ staff with the
knowledge and experience to be able to do this.
When a decision has been made to offer support, there
should be no restrictions placed on the recipient as regards the content of the
work produced. Experience in the USA has been that funding agencies have tried
to manipulate the activities of recipients according to notions of "political
correctness" or some such secondary consideration. Providers of funds, once they
have satisfied themselves as to the competency of the recipient, should have no
control over subsequent activities, beyond ensuring that funds were used for the
purposes for which they were provided.
Previous