An article in The Observer newspaper this weekend has given the first indication of what could well turn out to be a negative outcome on the creative arts sector in the UK following the recent Brexit vote: The loss of significant EU funding streams.
Collaborations
And although that may not directly effect the brass band movement in the UK at present, it could certainly do so in the future, as venues that host major events and have also welcomed artistic collaborations with brass bands start to feel an imposing financial pinch.
The excellent article by journalist Vanessa Thorpe highlighted the fact that the creative industries currently generate almost £10 million an hour for the economy, whilst countless venues across the UK have benefitted EU cultural funding, such as the £1.3 billion Creative Europe programme or the £100 million European Investment Fund.
Cash shortfalls
It was argued that many people within the creative sector felt that it would now be almost impossible to make up any cash shortfalls themselves — or for the UK Treasury to offer a funding alternative at a time when the sector has already been subject to cuts — with more to come.
It was reported that the concerns were widespread and varied — from the loss of hard cash and cross border cultural artistic collaborations, to increased bureaucracy surrounding visa and work permits, student numbers, a decline in audiences and a loss of progressive, artistic partnerships.
Concerns
The concerns of leading arts providers such as the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool and Sadler's Wells in London (which premiered 'Dark Arteries' in 2015 — above) to Sage Gateshead and even the EU Youth Orchestra were highlighted.
Economic uncertainty may lead to a decline in audiences and artists will need to find different ways to collaborate and take their work beyond bordersSage Gateshead boss Abigail Pogson
Bullish
And whilst a bullish Culture Secretary John Whittingdale was reported as saying that he was "...confident that our creative industries will continue to thrive and take advantage of the new opportunities which are opening up to do business across the world", Sage Gateshead boss Abigail Pogson was less upbeat: "Economic uncertainty may lead to a decline in audiences and artists will need to find different ways to collaborate and take their work beyond borders."
For the author Vanessa Thorpe the outcome is simple, as she points out: 'As European grants dwindle, so the smaller seedbed organisations that have inspired and developed British talent will shrink.'
To find out more:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/jul/09/brexit-arts-loss-of-funding
