Why the Arts Matter
‘‘Arnolfini is one of a handful of the most significant contemporary cultural centres in Europe" Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate
Arnolfini was instrumental in the regeneration of Bristol Harbourside, one of the first examples in the UK of the arts used for encouraging inward investment and economic regeneration, leading to a likely total investment in the site of £600 million and the creation of over 3,500 jobs. Impact study by University of West of England, 2003
Arnolfini celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. Since 1961, it has earned an international reputation for the commissioning and presentation of innovative, experimental work in the visual arts, live art, dance, film, music, poetry and literature, with a strong emphasis upon learning. Most of this work would not have developed or appeared in this country if Arnolfini did not exist, or have been seen in Bristol and the South West region. Alongside this pioneering work, Arnolfini's move to its current premises on Narrow Quay in 1975 proved to be a catalyst in attracting other businesses to the then neglected docks. The revitalised Harbourside is now a focal point for Bristol's social and cultural life, a hub for the creative industries and a thriving tourist destination. Whether in terms of artistic excellence, the related social and economic impact, or general well-being, the arts really matter!
Arnolfini is just one example of a UK-wide international success story. Thanks to 15 years of sustained investment, the arts are now thriving and we have a global reputation for excellence and innovation. The UK has the largest cultural economy in the world relative to GDP, and over two thirds of the population enjoy the arts. The government's arts budget is tiny, but the real economic return on their investment is huge. Any cuts to the arts will have a vastly disproportionate effect for a relatively insignificant saving to the public purse. Beyond 10-15% cuts, many cultural organisations, large or small, will be forced to close. The financial climate is tough, and we all need to share the burden of economic recovery, but the arts remain a compelling case for public investment. Please work with us to put that case as loudly and clearly as possible to government in advance of the next spending review in October so that we can minimize the damage. Lets not put the clock back thirty years.
Tom Trevor
Director, Arnolfini
Key Facts
• The UK has the largest cultural economy in the world relative to GDP.
• Every £1 invested in culture produces £2.
• In the last 10 years, the creative and cultural industries have grown faster than any other sector, accounting for 2 million jobs and £16.6 billion of exports in 2007.
• Eight of the UK's top ten visitor attractions are museums.
• More people go to museums than football matches.
• Dance is now second only to football as the most popular activity among school children, and ranks first among girls.
• Two thirds of the adult population enjoy the arts, visit historic sites, and go to museums and galleries.
• Music contributes nearly £5 billion to the UK economy.
• The economic impact of theatre is £2.6 billion a year.
• The economic benefits of the UK's major museums and galleries are estimated to be £1.5 billion a year.
• Liverpool was the most successful European Capital of Culture ever, with 15 million cultural visits and economic benefits of £800 million.
• Museums are the most respected places of education after schools, universities and libraries.
What you can do
Email or write to your MP to tell them why you think the arts matter.
FFI from Arts Council England about Why the Arts Matter visit
www.artscouncil.org.uk/about-us/why-arts-matter/
Related links
http://savethearts-uk.blogspot.com/
www.axisweb.org/dlForum.aspx?ESSAYID=18103
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/21/arts-cuts-cultural-lifeblood
www.mla.gov.uk/www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/article/16909/Abolition-of-UK-Film-Council
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/andrew_marr_show/8786452.stm
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/30/arts-organisations-marketing-fundraising-cuts
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/28/arts-funding-cuts-big-society
Published on: 27 July 2010
