The Arts & Business Private Investment in Culture Survey (AP187) speaks for itself. We have no interest in massaging figures or hiding the true picture as your editorial leader appears to suggest. Instead we analyse trends in arts fundraising and private sector confidence providing valuable intelligence and peer benchmarking for professional fundraisers. We believe that our full Private Investment report does not hide behind the word ‘culture’, but openly explores the complex relationship between artforms, this year cross-analysed by both investment type and regional location.
Whilst business investment itself may have decreased, the contribution of business leaders helps account for growth in individual giving and this is a contribution that must be highlighted if it is to continue. Our results reflect the peak of investment in April 2008 – pre-recession. Additional elements of the report then track business attitudes to investment up to November 2008, and our refined arts offer delivers advice for fundraisers in today’s recession. It is our role to advocate to business on behalf of the arts and therefore we need to present a balanced picture in order to maintain business and individual confidence. Barbara Follett said at the report’s launch: “Remember when you’re dealing with the economists of the treasury, hard information is very useful... Arts & Business is... giving hard facts and I value them … the Government wants to support the arts, both for their intrinsic value but for their social and economic value as well.”