Darren Henley OBE serves as chief executive of Arts Council England. He has authored two independent government examinations of music and cultural education and has published thirty books on the arts. Prior to his Arts Council role, he directed Classic FM for fifteen years. His academic qualifications include degrees in politics from the University of Hull, management from the University of South Wales, and history of art from the University of Buckingham.

His latest book, The Arts Dividend, draws from his observations of England’s cultural and artistic landscape, and the extraordinary creativity demonstrated nationwide. As arts participation grows and artistic expression thrives, the book comprehensively explores the innumerable advantages arts can deliver: fostering imagination across various fields; enhancing educational outcomes; creating distinctive community identities; positively affecting mental and physical health; supporting technological advancement and innovation; driving economic growth; and strengthening England’s international reputation for cultural distinction.