If not now, when?

The news has been full of Tory cuts versus Labour investment. Now the cracks are beginning to show and the Chancellor has hinted at spending cuts and tax rises. In our own back yard, the DCMS has admitted to a £100m hole in its finances, putting previously committed capital projects for the British Museum and Tate at risk, and giving us all the heebie-jeebies about what else might be hiding in the woodwork. Whichever party forms the next Government, it is clear that there will be tough times ahead, which is why it is important that the arts world unites to deliver some important messages to the powers that be.
Manifest importance
In June, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) published its Arts Manifesto, the culmination of six months of consultation, with meetings held in every English region, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The meetings were open to anyone who had an interest in the arts and cultural sectors and their future, and were free to attend. From these meetings emerged the key themes of the Manifesto: culturally educated and creative people; a creative and innovative economy; stronger communities forged through shared cultural experiences; contribution to the UK’s international standing and success; and the arts as a powerful, life-changing force. Participants in the meetings were also unanimous in stating that the Manifesto should set out a positive vision for the arts and identify the contribution that they bring to our society, rather than present a catalogue of woes that need to be fixed.
At a time of recession and with three years to go until the London Olympics, the message is that the arts are not a luxury. The cultural and creative industries are still the fastest growing section of the UK economy and have a powerful role to play in shaping the UK’s economic future. They also shape our nations in other ways, playing a vital role in learning and skills; in our communities; enhancing our international standing; and contributing to our own ‘feel good factor’. We are living in rapidly changing and challenging social, environmental and economic times. The arts offer opportunities and solutions to lift us beyond our current experiences. The Manifesto captures and articulates some of these key messages and acts as a rallying point and conversation starter for anyone to use. It is not the end of a process but the beginning, and we need to ensure that as many politicians as possible are aware of the importance of the arts and the contribution they make to society.

Get the message
There is no better time to ram these messages home than a forthcoming General Election. Many politicians still do not consider the arts as a key electoral issue, and even now, few departmental ministers or their shadows (save those in Culture and Education) are sufficiently attuned to the impact that their department can have on the arts, or vice versa. Furthermore, many are unaware that the arts are hugely important to the people of Britain. It is the job of the NCA and of those working in the sector, to ensure that the positive contribution that the arts make to a huge range of political agenda is received, understood and acted upon. The Manifesto has been sent to ministers, MPs and policy-makers, and will also be distributed to members of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies, because even though their election cycles are different, the issues and arguments are germane, and the arts community will still need to make the case for continued and sustained investment. But to be truly effective, the messages must be understood, accepted and championed at grass roots level. Everyone who cares about the arts must make sure that their MP, their local councillors and local officials see a copy of the Manifesto and understand its aims. The arts must become an electoral issue on the doorstep which, as every candidate knows, is where a vote is ultimately won or lost. By making sure that politicians understand the true impact of the arts on our economy, our society and our lives, we can help ensure that they receive support from every department of the next government.