ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how developments in the arts were shaped by changing political attitudes and shifting economic circumstances. It shows that the experience of the arts and arts councils from 1979 to 1992 was not unusual but akin to the experience of other sectors within society. The government discussed the business aspects of sponsorship openly, asserting that the private sector had seen the benefits of association with the arts. Private sponsorship of the arts is of its nature designed to meet purely commercial objectives. Private sponsors are highly selective in the cultural activities and events which they choose to use as vehicles for sponsorship and tend to be attracted by safe, non-controversial events, of known quality and high prestige. The sponsorship ethos continued to grow as more businesses looked towards sponsoring theatre and more theatre companies looked to the private sector for money.
