Live arts and cultural events: The importance of an in-person audience support network
In a significant move, the Government announced a £1.57 billion rescue package for the arts and cultural sector on 5th July, aiming to revitalise the industry that was one of the fastest growing parts of the economy, generating £13 million an hour before the pandemic.
Professor Andy Pratt, a Professor of Cultural Economy at City, University of London, discusses the implications of this rescue package in an article, with a focus on the infrastructure of the arts, such as galleries, concert halls, and venues. However, he warns that without some support, even if the arts infrastructure is usable to open its doors, there will be nobody to perform.
The nature of the 'gig' economy in the arts and culture sector has made it vulnerable, as many workers are self-employed on short-term contracts and project work. This is a concern that has not been overlooked, with a proposal for a 'cultural labour exchange' suggested. This includes registering all cultural workers for a basic income, offering a fairer labor exchange, and sponsoring training.
The Creative Industries Sector Plan has made several key sector-wide announcements. One of the most notable is the appointment of Marta Foresti as the Chair of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC). Foresti's aim is to unsettle and reorder the creative economy, a goal shared by the GCEC.
The UK's Creative Industries is estimated to face a drop of £74 billion and 400,000 jobs due to COVID-19, according to a report by Oxford Economics. This stark reality has not deterred the Government's commitment to the sector, as evidenced by the rescue package.
The future of culture is the future of 'live', a sentiment echoed by Professor Nick Wilson's discussion on the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries. He emphasises the importance of addressing this gap to ensure a vibrant and equitable cultural landscape.
Professor Dave O'Brien discusses the importance of higher education to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Meanwhile, Dr. Josh Siepe is researching the co-location of the Creative Industries with other industrial strategy priority sectors.
The PEC's blog provides a platform for independent, evidence-based views, and the views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent views of the PEC or its partner organizations. A photo in the article was taken by James Barr.
As the arts and cultural sector navigates through these challenging times, the 2025 Spending Review's implications for the creative industries are being analysed closely. The focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to support the sector, ensuring the future of 'live' arts and culture.
