Dan Jarvis: Finding new ways to help arts weather perfect storm

THERE is no point in denying it – this is a very challenging time for culture. It is facing a perfect storm, created by a government which does not understand its role in supporting this vital sector, and its potential to boost growth and wellbeing in times of austerity.

We all know that cuts are taking their toll on the sector but what is less understood is the cumulative effect of the cuts from multiple areas and the lack of strategy which is underpinning the Government’s actions.

Many organisations rely on local councils – 56 per cent of all government funding for the arts comes from local, rather than central government.

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But local councils have had to take into account devastating cuts. This is making it increasingly difficult for local government to support the culture sector.

In light of these cuts, the Culture Secretary consistently uses philanthropy as the solution.

Now, I think philanthropy is a good thing. However, the problem with philanthropy is the inequality of its distribution.

I know you are feeling the effects of the current climate so you will not need reminding that 71 per cent of philanthropic giving went to London alone.

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For the Yorkshire and Humber region, that works out as philanthropic giving of £3.06 per head, compared to £59.52 per head in London – a staggering disparity.

For years, the culture sector has relied on investment from public, private and commercial sources – this has helped ensure creative independence and a diverse cultural sector.

As such, this is what local and national government can do to support the culture sector.

We recognise that times are tough for local councils. In response, Labour has established a Creative Councillors Network to tackle these cuts and to build a survival strategy.

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We understand that the careful investment in the cultural sector nurtured for more than a decade can easily be damaged without continued support.

And at national level, in response to the Government’s complacency about the future of the culture sector, Labour has been working on a six-point plan for supporting the arts, cultural and the creative industries.

This plan has been put together by a Shadow Cabinet team as we understand that cross governmental co-operation with regards to the creative industries is crucial to their success and that the culture agenda is something that should be integrated across governmental departments.

Firstly, we need to nurture creative skills in education and develop talent. By giving young people the opportunities and skills through a creative education we can ensure that our creative industries have the widest talent pool available to draw from.

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Second, we need to explore new and innovative ways of giving the creative industries access to finance. Through the use of more inventive and innovative fund-raising methods, like using regional investment banks and crowd-sourced funding, we can help support the creative industries in different ways.

Third, we need to champion intellectual property. By protecting content creators we can provide a sound basis for investment.

Fourth, we need a regional strategy to support the arts in all regions of the country, not just in London, and ensure that there are opportunities available in every town and city.

Fifth, we also need an international strategy, promoting our creative industries and cultural attractions all over the world. This would cement our place as the leading music industry in the world.

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Sixth, and finally, we need to highlight equality of access and opportunity, ensuring that everyone – whatever their background, and wherever they live in the UK, has access to arts and culture.

I passionately believe in the contribution the arts can make to our lives and is indicative of where we spend time with our family and friends, what we want our city and town centres to look like and where we work.

The culture sector is as important to our economy as it is for diverse and fair communities. It is a reflection of the type of society we want to live in.

I want to confront the challenges which have been presented by this Government and work towards creating an arts industry which is instrumental in helping achieve a strong economy; helps support vibrant communities and makes sure young people have the opportunities to engage with the arts and cultural activities.

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I want us to build a vision where the arts are recognised for the vital part they play in our lives.

By doing so, we can achieve a secure and prosperous future for the arts in the UK.

*Dan Jarvis is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central and the Shadow Arts Minister. This is an edited version of a
speech delivered at the Grand Theatre, Leeds.