Some of the arts professionals who participated in the AP survey talked to Nosheen Iqbal about the challenges they are facing, and how they feel about the next 12 months
Having two local authorities, a university and Arts Council England as key stakeholders means that we are potentially very exposed. It isn’t just the financial support that is at stake – it is the wider strategic support, value and confidence that comes with a broad funding base and strong partnerships that concerns me most. But, there are always opportunities to be found. We’ve just started an education programme, are planning international work across three continents and are expecting Norwich to be England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in the near future.
Chris Gribble, Writers’ Centre Norwich.
These cuts do not lack consideration. Their agenda is the re-establishment of a cultural hierarchy. Research and development in diversifying British cultural aesthetics will be sacrificed on the altar of old notions. It will work for a while. When audiences realise the deception they will desert the arts. As before.
Tyrone Huggins, Actor, Playwright and Chair Sustained Theatre West Midlands Hub.
It is becoming more and more difficult to bring companies over from the mainland – when you add the cost of trucking (the ferry charges an average of £2,200 for one truck) to the cost of accommodation (due to Jersey Housing Laws there are no ‘theatre digs’) and air travel for company members it is becoming more and more prohibitive.
Jasmine Hendry, Jersey Opera House.
The changing landscape gives opportunities for organisations to consider new working models, and for us to provide greater engagement and support on organisational development.
Vanessa Rawlings-Jackson, Cultivate.
This level of cuts and pending cuts make it really tough to plan in the mid to long-term. For us, the challenges manifest as more but smaller projects, shorter lead times, tougher objectives (and more travel). But the need for strategic support is increasing.
Helen Palmer, Palmer Squared.