March 2023
- Wellbeing - the benefits of our Crafting with Pride programme and a wider vision paper from the Centre for Cultural Value
- How artistic labour is still not valued
- Government and Opposition plans for investment in the creative industries and culture
- Plus - delays to Craft & Design T levels
Crafting with Pride
Crafts Council’s report describes the development and delivery of Crafting with Pride, our programme for older LGBTQIA+ people. The eight workshop programme spanning a range of crafts led to a decrease in participants feeling left out and socially isolated and an increase in participants’ sense of companionship.
Credit: Crafts Council
The findings from our programme evaluation are echoed in the Culture, Health and Wellbeing vision paper from the Centre for Cultural Value. It highlights the potential role of culture in creating a happier, healthier society. It also demonstrates the value of culture on referral (or arts on prescription) programmes, the importance of the use of culture in the training and development of healthcare students and the benefits of participation for physical health, wellbeing and social wellbeing.
How artistic labour is still not valued
The Structurally F-cked report from a-n, the Artists Information Company, examines artists’ fees and the volume of artistic labour which goes unrecognised and unremunerated. It shows how artists working in the public sector often earn less than minimum wage and sometimes are not paid at all and calls for institutions and commissioners to make the case for increased funding.
Investment in the creative industries
Lucy Frazer, the new Culture Secretary said the creative industries are one of the Chancellor’s key growth sectors for the UK economy and a 'key priority' for government, speaking at the recent Creative Coalition Festival. However, the Government’s spring budget has failed to deliver its commitment to a £90 million Arts Premium policy that could improve disadvantaged young people’s access to arts learning. But the maintenance of tax reliefs for theatres, museums and galleries is welcome.
Meanwhile Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said a Labour government would grow the creative sector outside of London and the South East and support a "cultural corridor" across the North of England.
Delays to Craft & Design T levels
The Department for Education has decided to delay roll out of four T Levels including Craft & Design to allow time to consult with employers and sector bodies to ensure it meets the needs of the sector. The announcement raises questions about the Government’s plans to axe overlapping level 3 qualifications like BTECs and whether this should be delayed.
