Has Wigmore Hall just kicked out the Arts Council?

John Gilhooly, who runs London’s Wigmore Hall, today announced a Director’s Fund to cover all contingencies in the coming years.

He said: ‘With £7 million already pledged, we are aiming to reach at least £10 million by 2027, with ambitions to reach £20 million within a decade. We are currently 97 per cent self-funded; this target will allow Wigmore Hall to become 100 per cent self-sufficient, if necessary.’

Mark those words.

Gilhooly has effectively declared independence from Arts Council England. If ACE cuts his funding or makes policy demands, Gilhooly can kick them out without a backwards glance.

There is a new spirit afoot among the independent arts sector, which includes the Wigmore, countryhouse operas and at least one London orchestra. The age of dependancy on state bureaucracy is over. Gilhooly has fired the opening shot of a secession war.