The funding news for the arts in Northern Ireland is not as bad as it could be thanks to a well-organised campaign to get the public to voice their views. Politicians listened to the people.
I heard a story last week of an arts organisation that successfully mobilised its audience for a mass letter writing campaign when large cuts were threatened. The eventual decision was less ghastly than expected. Politicians listened to the people.
This week I read there is another gathering planned of the great and good in the arts world to discuss the lack of understanding within central government about the importance of art in helping people and societies achieve their full human potential. Of course, I agree 100% with how important art is, but then again you’d expect me to: I work in the cultural sector.
The Forests weren’t saved by tree surgeons. It’s not just librarians battling so volubly for the future of libraries. Where is the mass public support for the arts? Given that over three-quarters of the public engage in the arts annually, the 20,000 signed up nationally to www.ivaluethearts.org.uk is a drop in ocean, but where there has been real leadership and engagement on a more local level the public's collective voice has made an impact.
Doesn’t the arts sector need to stop agreeing with itself about how important it is and spend more time talking to its audiences about what they value about it and what more we can do together to ensure there are excellent artistic opportunities for generations to come?
David Brownlee, Chief Executive, Audiences UK
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