Musicians are being asked to sign a petition asking the Government to give a clear indication of their plans to support the arts sector of the British economy after the COVID-19 lockdown has started to be lifted.
Instigated by Miles Croxford it asks that the Government; "...state where the theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector and clarify how social distancing will affect arts spaces like theatres and concert venues."
Response
The Government is obliged to respond to all petitions that gain over 10,000 signatures of support, and must consider whether the petition should be debated in Parliament if it passes 100,000 signatures. Well over 60,000 people have currently signed it (Thursday 18th June)
The petitioner argues that in their plan to restart the economy, the Government has addressed hospitality sectors such as restaurants and cinemas and has stated how it will help the sports sector of the economy.
However, it is argued that no mention has been made for a proposal for help the arts, and say that on 13th May Government minister Robert Jenrick was directly asked to pledge to protect this industry, which could be without income longer than other sectors, but failed to give a clear answer.
Emergency package
In March the Government announced a £160 million emergency package of help for individuals, National Portfolio Organisations, venues and other organisations.
However, in May museums in England were reportedly looking to the Arts Council for £250 million in help to safeguard their immediate futures, whilst leading figures such as Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Mark Elder recently wrote an open letter in the Guardian newspaper warning of a potential 'devastated landscape' in the orchestral world.
Venues such as the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall have also made representation about the need for £300 million of investment required into their sector for every three months that theatres and concerts halls have been closed.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the arts and culture industry contributes £10.8 billion a year to the UK economy, raising over £2.8 billion in taxation4BR
Musician's Union
In addition, the Musicians Union recently revealed that 53% of their members who work in theatres did not qualify for Government help, whilst 83% did not know when they could realistically mark a time when they could return to work. 77% reported that they would suffer financial hardship by September.
Speaking at the Government's daily press conference on 17th June, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden stated that: "The performing arts face enormous challenges, particularly given the impact of social distancing on live venues. I am looking hard at how we can address those challenges.
He added: "Over the next week we will be convening experts in a targeted way, bringing together our leading performers in theatre, choirs and orchestras with medical experts and advisers.
The idea is that they will work together in detail to develop a roadmap that is so badly needed to performing safely, with a particular focus on innovative ideas for performing safely."
Statistics
According to the Office of National Statistics, the arts and culture industry contributes £10.8 billion a year to the UK economy, raising over £2.8 billion in taxation.
In addition a further £23 billion is generated in additional economic activity through over 363,000 jobs. Productivity in the arts and culture industry between 2009 and 2016 was greater than that of the economy as a whole, with gross value added per worker at £62,000 for arts and culture, compared to £46,800 for the wider UK economy.
Find out more and sign
To find out more information about the petition and consider signing it go to:
