Grassroots arts suffering most under local funding cuts

ArtsProfessional survey of arts workers reveals the strain local authority cuts are putting on the sector. Community arts groups are under threat from the local authority squeeze on culture budgets across England as direct grants are cut, charges for services such as room hire are increased, and support from arts officers is withdrawn as these posts are made redundant.

69% of respondents to a new survey of arts workers by ArtsProfessional magazine believe that the cuts are hitting grassroots arts activity the hardest. Those working in this field speak of increased stress, low morale and such poor pay that they feel they are effectively subsidising the work they produce. Across the arts sector more generally, 85% say their organisation has or is likely to lose at least some of its local authority funding and serious concerns are raised that the needs of local communities are being overlooked as national policy agendas take precedence. The majority of arts organisations are attempting to make up the funding shortfall by applying for more money through trusts and foundations, and public funds, and raising more through sponsorship and individual giving. But respondents warned of a “capacity deficit” as staff numbers have been reduced while the work load is increasing. Only 17% reported that their authority has made an attempt to help arts organisations find alternative sources of funding, and arts workers have called for councils to work with them collaboratively to mitigate the damage of cuts.

This online survey was distributed to readers of ArtsProfessional between July and August 2017. It received 506 responses, predominantly from those working in or with the arts and culture sector, some within local authorities. It asked respondents for their observations about how local authority support for the arts had changed, how arts organisations were responding and what should be done to steer the sector towards a thriving future. The survey’s headline findings were:
• 90% say their local authority has reduced spending on arts and culture
• 69% agree this is hitting grassroots arts the hardest
• 85% of arts workers say their organisation has or is likely to lose some of its local authority funding
• Around 75% have applied for more funds from other public funds, trusts and foundations
• Arts workers raised concerns about national policy agendas taking precedence over local, local arts scenes losing their central point of contact and organisations being less able to take artistic risks
• 86% of arts organisations facing local authority cuts have or are planning to make administrative savings and 59% are cutting staff numbers
• The sector has spoken out about increased stress, low morale and many of those working in community arts having to leave the sector.
Commenting on the findings, ArtsProfessional Editor Frances Richens said: “When we decided to launch this survey, we were keen to help move the conversation forward, beyond the negative impacts of local authority cuts. But what we found is that many are still reeling from these devastating cuts and are not in a position to start looking forward, particularly at the grassroots level. Arts activity is a key source of support for the most vulnerable in our society, and the responses to this survey raise serious concerns about whether enough is being done on a local level to enable this work and respond to community need. There are parts of the country where local authorities are getting it right. Many respondents told us about brilliant councils that recognise the value of arts and culture to their communities and economies, and are making strategic plans in collaboration with the sector – but sadly these appear to be in the minority. We will keep highlighting these inspirational examples in ArtsProfessional, to help the sector to shape their local arts infrastructures and to advocate for the value of arts and culture at a local and national level.”

Read the report on the findings of the survey at the link below.

For more information visit https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/pulse/survey-report/pulse-report-local-authority-arts-funding-what-should-be-done?mc_cid=5c2d015c32&mc_eid=799e63875c