FIBONACCI GUITARS MAY 2022 NEWSLETTER
Arts Council for England Chief Executive Darren Henley explains why the time right to discuss how they improve the support for and position of individuals working in creativity and culture.
“Here at the Arts Council, we have a vision. A vision that this country will be one in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish. If we’re to achieve this vision that we set out in our ten-year strategy ‘Let’s Create’, then it’s vital that everybody, no matter who they are or where they come from, can pursue a career in the arts, in museums or in libraries if that is their calling in life.
In a sector where 49% of the workforce are freelance, it’s vital then that it is both a viable and an attractive proposition for people choosing this career pathway. One where, if you work freelance, you are well paid and well valued for your contribution, where you’re able to invest in your creative and professional development, and where you have a seat at the same table as organisations when it comes to debating and setting the agenda for the future of creativity and culture in our country. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the cultural sector is only as strong as the talent of the individuals who work in it.
So as the creative and cultural sector emerges from the pandemic alongside the rest of the country, we find ourselves at a turning point. A crossroads where we have a choice to make. Do we seize this moment to make long-lasting, systemic change, or do we return to business-as-usual? We say the latter is simply not an option.
One of the several actions we pledged to take, to make that long-lasting change, was to bring together individual practitioners, cultural organisations, funders, unions and other key partners to explore the steps that together we can take to improve support for freelancers. And it will require all of you, whichever of those groups you find yourself in, to join us on this journey in order to really make a difference.
Above all, it’s imperative that the voices of those who work freelance are at the heart of the conversation. That’s why we have commissioned a collective of freelancers to develop and deliver the symposium; a consortium made up of representatives from Freelancers Make Theatre Work, Inc Arts, Migrants In Culture, Musician and Artist Exchange, people make it work, Something To Aim For and What Next? And to ensure the widest range of people can be a part of the conversation, we’ve funded this symposium to ensure it’s free for everyone to attend – the cost of a ticket shouldn’t be a barrier. However, in recognition of the fact freelancers will not be earning when attending, we are offering bursaries of £250 each, while also inviting large employing organisations to nominate and commit to paying two freelancers within their eco-systems £250 each, to support their attendance to the symposium.
So, this is an invitation. To everyone working across the arts, museums and libraries. To join the conversation, to share and to listen to what needs to be done, and to do your bit in making that change. Whatever your role in creativity and culture, or beyond it, you can make a difference. With everyone playing their part, we will see the transformation that’s needed.”
So don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your voice heard and to make a contribution to the commission. You can read the full Arts Council statement here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/time-change-working-freelance-creativity-and-culture NORTH WEST GUITAR SHOW
It’s been a while sine we have been out and about. Looking forward to this one. Hope to see you at Haydock Park Racecourse on Sunday 15th May 2022.
Comentarios