"The rapid and significant shrinking of the arts and entertainment industries since Labour took office is alarming," said Paul W. Fleming, Equity general secretary. "Government must take urgent action to understand and address this fall happening on their watch, set out a roadmap to reach the European average of investing 0.5% of GDP in the arts."
"Investment in arts jobs and infrastructure, which focuses on the significant economic benefits that UK film, TV, live performance and productions bring to the whole country, will pay dividends," Fleming said.
Fleming noted that there have been mixed responses across the UK's four nations as to the approaches to arts and culture funding. He said that Holyrood, the Scottish government, has made "a welcome Budget investment" but that Wales has done little to redress funding cuts of 40% over the past decade.
Equity emphasises the economic value of arts investment. "The arts perform a multiplier effect on the economy, with research by Arts Council England showing that for every £1 invested in the arts, £4 returns to the economy in social and economic impact."
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