The backbone of the arts: why artists must be at the heart of cultural funding
Founder of North East Cultural Freelancers, Leila D'Aronville introduces her open letter to Arts Council England’s Chair, calling for action to support artists in a sector at breaking point.
On May 16, I wrote a response to an article which quoted Sir Nicholas Serota, the chair of Arts Council England. This letter was a reflection on the work I do with Freelance Artists across the North East and beyond, through North East Cultural Freelancers and Northern Roots.
We are at a really critical tipping point regarding the cultural sector. With the outcomes of the spending review being announced on June 11, and discussions around the future functions of Arts Council being led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, it no surprise that the sector is pulling together and championing the importance of itself to society.
Culture is the calling card of the UK and brings in around £126 billion in GVA (Gross Value Added) to the UK economy. The UK makes the third largest contribution to the global music market; UK theatre sets trends across the globe, with the UK considered the best place to make and experience theatre – which then has a knock-on effect of our contribution to the film industry; and the UK’s Global visual arts market comes just behind China and the US regarding impact, influence and export.
When we talk about funding into the arts we MUST talk about the artists and the needs of them too. We need to be funding structures that allow our artists to thrive.
Leila D’Aronville, founder of North East Cultural Freelancers
This contribution doesn’t come from nowhere – it comes from artists in schools and communities; from access to development opportunities and mentoring; access to youth theatres, studio space and expertise; and it comes from having time to create and develop, alongside opportunities to present work.
But the arts aren’t just an economic driver, although it is clear that we are that. We are also the glue that holds humanity together – what would we do without the beauty in art? The joy in music? Or the escape of storytelling through literature, theatre or film?
We fill the gaps like nothing else can! Even our beloved football is dominated by music, art and theatrics. Imagine if George Ridley hadn’t decided to pick up and instrument and play the music halls? St James’ would be a very different vibe!
The reason I wrote the letter in response to the Guardian Article wasn’t to disagree with the sentiment in the article around sector funding, but it was to stress the importance of the workers within this “heavy” industry.
The makers, creators, producers – the true backbone. We can’t have an industry without the workforce. When we talk about funding into the arts we MUST talk about the artists and the needs of them too. We need to be funding structures that allow our artists to thrive.
The cultural sector has shifted over the past two decades from a more stable employment model to one that relies heavily on freelance labour, creating significant precarity for those working within it. This has been compounded by a decline in funding for artist-led creative projects over the last five-plus years.
In the final days before the spending review is announced, we MUST ensure we do not talk about the arts without artists or culture without cultural workers.