10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE ARTS IN SOMERSET: Arts Funding Cuts

[Rachael Duthie]

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE ARTS IN SOMERSET

From TakeArt: Somerset

1. Somerset County Council are proposing to cut their existing annual arts development budget of £159,000
(just 30 pence per resident) by 100% next year even though this is only 0.0004
of the overall spend of £350,158,841.

2. 100% cuts to the arts have not been risk assessed - the Peter Boyden report that was co-commissioned by County
Council states that even a 30% cut would undermine the stability of the sector
and result in immediate and significant economic and social impact.

3. Arts development cannot be separated from economic development or the creative industries. Development of
the creative industries is a clearly stated aim for both County Council and
Central Government.

4. Every £1 of grants given to the arts brings in at least £15 of investment and earned income into the county
– a combined arts turnover in excess of £3.75 million offers a return of 1500%,
assisting the economic development of Somerset.

5. Market research, commissioned by ‘Into Somerset’, has shown that the cultural offer in the county is a key
factor in businesses deciding to relocate to Somerset.

6. The creative industries in Somerset employ more than 8000 people with an annual turnover in excess of £345
million. This is the fastest growing sector in Somerset, and research demonstrates
that a vibrant arts community has a central role in building infrastructure
across the creative industries.

7. Annually there are 500,000 attendances at arts events and more than 25,000 people take part in arts and
media projects. Research shows that participation in the arts has a high impact
on health, confidence and quality of life.

8. Cutting the arts development budget, especially in a rural county, will impact on delivering statutory
requirements to more vulnerable members of our society, resulting in widening
inequality.

9. A high quality, vibrant arts sector in Somerset depends on the partnership between volunteers and funded
professionals who provide advice and support to the sector, and plays a key
role in the ‘Big Society’. It also helps to develop the talents, skills and
aspirations of young people.

10. Cuts of 26% over four years will allow arts organisations to look for new sources of income and survive. An
unprecedented 100% cut across the county in one year will destroy the cultural
core of Somerset.

4.11.2010 Read more at

http://tinyurl.com/32gq7zd