Stephen Deuchar, director, the Art Fund
“Yes. The arts are critically important: to people’s health and wellbeing, to quality of life, and – in terms our colleagues at Treasury will understand – to tourism, jobs and the economy.
For every £1 invested in culture, a further £3.50 is generated. The ten most visited UK attractions last year were cultural. It would seem rash not to protect a budget that forms such a tiny part of public spending (government spend on arts, museums and heritage is 1 per cent of the health budget) when it brings so much in for UK plc.
Public spending on international development, makes up a similarly small portion of public spending, and has been ringfenced precisely because it is felt too important not to fund. Don’t we all feel the same about the arts?”
Hedley Swain, director programme delivery, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
“Supported and advocated for yes, ringfenced no. In these economic times a vibrant arts sector contributing to skills, wealth generation and wellbeing is more important than ever.
Government is not the major funder of the arts, that remains local authorities with major contributions from the independent sector. Ringfencing is a two-edged sword. Education and health can argue for bigger ringfences at our expense. We must not fall back into an ivory “art for art’s sake” tower, but show real value. The sector now sees itself as relevant to wider social and economic agendas.
We should feel confident to work together on this basis.”
Colin Tweedy, chief executive, Arts & Business
“Ringfence the only part of the UK economy that is growing. You bet we should!
All political parties agree that our cultural and creative economy needs to be protected as we face imminent national or local public spending cuts. Major cuts would be a serious blow to our arts ecology, already hit hard by the recession. Arts & Business’ figures show private investment into culture declined by 7 per cent, although remaining at a robust £654m for 2008/09.
Arts & Business is launching a Private Sector Policy for the Arts – a call to action for business and philanthropists. We need skills and money and hearts and minds.
Government alone is not enough. Only by the public sector working hand in hand with business, trusts and foundations and individuals will we thrive. But government support is critical – so keep it up.”
Sam Mullins, director, London Transport Museum
“Why are we not making more of a fuss about the contribution of the arts to the national economy?
Ringfencing an arts budget that amounts to less than 1 per cent of NHS spending would at least show an understanding of the economic contribution of museums and galleries to our tourist and leisure economy.
The London Transport Museum generates £10m for London through every visitor spending an additional £50, creates an additional job for every member of staff employed and makes an additional spending impact of £8.5m on the UK economy.”
