A proposal to develop a national arts and cultural initiative for trade unions is being established by the TUC (North West) in association with Littoral Arts and Arts Council England. The project, initially a four-month scoping study, aims to develop and promote new ways of engaging working people and the trade unions with the production, distribution and enjoyment of the arts. As well as considering new contexts for arts and cultural work within the trade union movement and in new workplace environments, it will attempt to open dialogue with the arts sector about the social, economic and cultural role of the trade union movement, and also of the significance of working peoples culture in general.
The findings of the study will inform a wider public debate about a new cultural role for the TUC and the trade union movement, and help in the development of new arts and trade unions events, such as exhibitions, educational projects and conferences, some of which will coincide with the Liverpool 08 Capital of Culture programme. A one-day regional conference, under the theme The Arts and the Trade Unions is planned for early next year.
Published: 23-10-2006