Following the uninspiring tone set by the government this week, it’s more apparent than ever that the UK arts sector is at risk. It’s also more important than ever that we fight back.
Between Rishi Sunak’s recent interview whereby he suggests that (while discussing the arts) people should seek ‘fresh and new opportunities’, as well as the launch of the gov’s online career-finding quiz, his message is very clear – find a new job. In fact, he doesn’t even deny this when confronted in the interview.
During his time talking with ITV there is an uncomfortable absence of his will to sustain the jobs within the arts - if not for the fact that they enrich our culture, then that, on average, this sector contributes £13 million to the UK economy every hour. It has overtaken agriculture in how much it contributes.
There was the care package announced in July of £1.57 billion towards Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions, but lets not forget that in 2018 alone the creative industries contributed more than £111.7 billion to the UK economy. So yes, that investment seems pretty worthwhile.
The tories’ stance towards the arts has been clear for a long time. However, the flagrancy that has been demonstrated during these challenging times has been particularly deflating.
But to hell with seeking new careers. We won’t let this crucial sector be disregarded!
One of the ways that we can fight back is by supporting the brilliant organisations such as Arts Emergency, mentoring and charity network, whose mission is to help marginalised young people overcome barriers to participation and success in higher education and the creative and cultural industries.
THE ARTS ARE HERE TO STAY #artiswork
Written by Juliet Wilson