Clarity call on arts rescue package

Unions representing workers in the culture sector have issued a joint call to government to set out its plans for the distribution of a promised £1.5bn financial rescue package for the arts.

The plea followed discussions between unions and the tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire about the future of the industry. According to the TUC, the tourism and culture sectors contribute £21bn a year to the county’s economy. Concerns have been raised that smaller operators would miss out in favour of big institutions.

TUC regional secretary Bill Adams said: “The £1.5bn rescue package is very welcome, and a sincere relief to our members whose jobs are hanging in the balance. But a delay in announcing how the money will be shared out, and a lack of clarity about who will be eligible, means that employers are still having to consider redundancies, and self employed artists are facing bankruptcy."

Theresa Easton of Artists’ Union England said: "It is imperative any rescue package includes all jobs in the sector, particularly those that have the least financial cushion and economic security."

Dominic Bascombe of Equity added: “Support for the arts cannot be restricted to the largest producers and venues, but must include the actors, dancers, stage management, singers, comedians, variety artists, directors, designers, choreographers and many other highly skilled workers in our talent base.”

https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/minister-must-urgently-clarify-where-arts-funding-will-go-say-yorkshires-culture-unions-joint