top of page

The Case

  • The arts open up a world of opportunity and creativity to our children, allowing them to build confidence, learn exciting new skills and see the world in a different light.

  • 78% of children that took part in the “in harmony” project showed improved performance in all subjects – The arts make education fun and accessible.
  • Children from low income families that take part in arts activity at school are three times more likely to get a degree than those who don’t
 

 

The Issue

  • There has been a drop of 14% in children choosing art subjects since 2010

  • 1,100 fewer students chose an arts subject at A’level than in 2010

  • The current curriculum discourages schools from offering art subjects at GCSE and A’Level


 

Proposal

  • All schools should offer art subjects at GCSE and A’Level and have access to properly trained art specialist to ensure young people have the best possible arts experience.

  • STEAM not STEM – The arts should be included as a core subject.

  • End to discount codes - Each subject should have same the weighting.

  • Extend loans so they are available to post-grad students


 
EDUCATION
 
 

 

 

ECONOMY
 
 

 

 

Proposal

  • Further investment in the arts - 50p per person per year to be spent on art creating a sustainable budget and investment.


 

The Issue

  • Since 2010 Arts Council funding / investment has been cut by one third

  • Local authority funding / investments in the arts has been reduced by up to 50% in some regions

 

The Case

  • For every £1 spent on the arts £2.01 in generated in the wider economy

  • Businesses in the UK arts and culture industry generated an aggregate turnover of £12.4 billion  in 2011

  • Jobs – 370,000 employed directly and indirectly through arts and culture sector

 

 


 
HEALTH AND WELL BEING

 

 

Proposal

  • Supporting the NHS in providing a range of creative preventative and recovery activities.

The Issue

  • The NHS is having to cut back funding on creative practice due to budget constraints.

 

The Case

  • Two thirds of people that took part in art activity in 2011/12 say that taking part in arts can improve people’s sense of wellbeing.

 

 

IMMIGRATION & EUROPE

 

 


 

Proposal

  • Continue to stay within Europe

  • Ensure that we continue to freedom of trade and movement

 

The Issue

  • Heavy handed immigration policy threatens to make us a more insular society, scared to try new experiences.

 


 

The Case

  • Sharing ideas and new experiences helps us to better understand new cultures and learn new creative practices.

  • 65% think arts have a role in bringing communities together

  • Artists are entrepreneurs trading with organisations and individuals across Europe and brining tax revenue back to the UK


 
SOCIETY

 

Proposal

  • Auditing arts provision in each local authority to ensure people are aware of the provision available and the contribution made to the local economy.

  • Ensuring each Council has a Culture / Arts Strategy that addresses the key issues as outlined above

  • Ensuring that each local authority has an arts budget and at least one dedicated arts officer

  • Arts must be a consideration in any major planning consideration, ensuring that people have a healthy environment in which to work, live and learn.

  • Establishment of Creative Hub Zones, throughout the UK including one in Camberley

 

The Issue

  • The arts are not a mandatory provision for local authorities and many have seen arts services completely cut, or given to one person as part of their portfolio.

 


 

The Case

  • There is a lack of arts provision available to the wider population

  • Arts need to woven into the fabric of our society ensuring that everyone benefits.

  • The UK is ranked 4 best out of 50 (according to the nations brand index) as an interesting and exciting place for contemporary culture

  • 3 out of 5 adults say that having more arts and culture in their local area would make it a better place to live

 
 

 
bottom of page