Week 08
Preparation for the panel presentation, on Monday the 9th of November.
Opening Statement:
Context.
Project Question: How has the Covid 19 pandemic impacted the Arts & Culture sector?
The benefits of maintaining a flourishing Arts & Culture sector are numerous, and far reaching. The benefits of which are evident in many of the areas across the societal landscape, including: The economy; The health and well-being of the general public; The interpersonal relationships between communities; Urban-regeneration; Community-based initiatives; Education: And the Charity Sector.
To clarify, when speaking about the Arts & Culture sector I am referring to the sector as a whole, and as a key contributor to the economic value of the UK, and as a formative contributor to the cultural-identity of the UK, on the international stage. A factor that underpins the current narrative, and which forms the crux of the argument in favour of continued financial assistance, for the sector as a whole.
Due to the disparity in business models and none-traditional employment structures, not all of those employed within the Arts Sector are able to apply, or benefit from the government-backed funding programmes that have been deployed, to combat the economic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Along with the Tourist Sector, the Cultural and Creative Sectors are among the worst hit, by the Covid 19 pandemic. This comes as many of those organisations and venues within the Arts Sector, had been working hard to adapt to severe economic restrictions, as a consequence of government policy. With the addition of the challenges that had been created by the pandemic, many of the problems that are posed, are further compounded by the current crisis, and the sum of which leaves many in this sector facing the tough decision of whether to stay, and endure the increasingly difficult climate, or to withdraw, and to deny the people of access to the cultural wealth, that such groups provide for the country.
OECD, an organisation that contributes to the global response to Covid 19, by creating and developing policy to combat the affects of the pandemic, predict a 0.8% to 5.5% unemployment rate across the regions in which they operate, as a consequence of the economic impact of the pandemic. -The majority of losses are more likely to be observed within the smaller organisations, and have a severe impact on your local venues.
The long-term impact of the pandemic is likely to last for months, and in some cases, years. The reduction in revenue, and a shift in societal trends will see smaller, local venues unable to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, with many having to close, indefinitely.
With many of the organisations and businesses operating within a narrow financial margin, the reduction in public spending will result in a fatal blow for many, resulting in widespread lay-offs and reductions in employee’s salaries.
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