A number of opera houses in the United Kingdom have released a joint statement calling for the Arts Council England (ACE) to develop an opera strategy, in conversations with audiences and colleagues across the industry.

The statement said, “The boards of the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne Opera, Opera North, the English National Opera, English Touring Opera, and Welsh National Opera are all calling on ACE to develop a strategy for opera provision based on industry consultation, audience insight, and data. No opera strategy currently exists or is planned.”

“For ACE to make such fundamental and irreparable changes to opera provision in the country in the absence of such a strategy is reckless and threatens the UK’s cultural standing in the world.”

The statement comes after the Arts Council England had announced it would cut funding from the English National Opera and later reversed its decision. The ACE also forced the Glyndebourne Festival to cancel its tour.