South West Manifesto for creative and cultural industries

Changing the world of work for good The South West Manifesto for Culture

Trade unions have a proud record of representing people who work in the creative, cultural and leisure industries. Such vocational employment can be immensely satisfying but it is often precarious and poorly paid. The trade unions can be small but highly specialised and tuned to serve the particular interests of their members. They have come together with the support of the South West TUC to make the case for their sector and the importance of their members’ work for the life of the region. The South West has a rich tradition of creativity and economic planners often herald the sector and its importance. But the sector is fragile and under-resourced. This Cultural Manifesto challenges assumptions about the arts and proposes a number of ideas that would enhance this vital sector.

The Tuts photo: Jess Hurd 1

The South West Manifesto for Culture

South West Creative Arts Equity, the National Union of Journalists, National The life of everyone in the South West Society for Educators in South West is enriched by Local Authority Art and Design and the the creative arts, culture Writers’ Guild promote the Arts Funding and heritage. The region professionalism of their Investors in arts, museums and heritage has much to celebrate and members and campaign based on figures local authorities be proud of. The arts and against those who expect provide to the Department for creative industries are at the them to work and perform Communities and Local Government. heart of what attracts people for little if anything. to live, work, study and visit the region. Arts education Place £per person per week City of London 70.68 This Manifesto promotes Schools, faced with a Exeter .53 the cultural life of the region devastating squeeze on Cheltenham .40 and values those who work spending, have axed arts Bristol .26 for it. The sector relies on education. Teachers must Swindon .25 a wide range of people concentrate on a narrow Weymouth & Portland .23 often working very long curriculum and the demands Plymouth .19 hours and on precarious of national tests leading to Gloucester .19 employment. Poor pay is a the decline in drama, music Poole .18 feature of the industry and, and art. Instruments, art North Devon .17 sometimes, no pay at all. materials and museum visits Torbay .14 New technology offers some have been sacrificed. This is Cotswold .13 great opportunities but also despite growing evidence on Stroud .12 carries risk of exploitation. the importance of creativity West Dorset .12 in the changing world. The cuts in public spending South Somerset .10 have hit the art world. It Imagination and artistic Christchurch .10 is seen as an easy target talents are predicted to East Dorset .09 with funders having little if be the attributes people Cornwall .08 any statutory duties. South will need more of in the Mendip .08 West councils cluster at future. The Arts Council Wiltshire .08 the bottom of the league highlights that engagement Taunton Deane .06 table in arts funding with in structural arts and culture Bournemouth .06 the region falling a long improves the cognitive Sedgemoor .04 way behind London. Relying abilities of children and West Somerset .04 on commercial interests young people, drama and East Devon .03 can prove fragile and good music improves literacy and West Devon .03 events, festivals, drama, early language acquisition1. North Dorset .03 venues and space where art Teignbridge .02 Funding for adult and can flourish have closed or South Gloucestershire .01 community education has are under severe pressure. Tewkesbury .01 been savaged in the last ten Mid Devon .01 This creative manifesto is years and opportunities for South Hams .01 from the trade unions that people of all ages to learn Bath & NE Somerset .00 represent workers across art subjects or develop their Forest of Dean .00 the cultural and creative passion for art, music and Isles of Scilly .00 industries. Smaller unions drama have been curtailed. such as the Artists’ Union, Source: www.50pforculture.org/statistics BECTU, Musicians’ Union, 1 Arts Council 2014 2

Class and income barriers IDestroy There are many barriers to a career in the creative industries. Social class and income are significant, starting with access to teaching in schools and the reliance on private lessons. A BPI survey found state schools have seen a 21% decrease in music provision over the past five years2. Children from low-income families are half as likely to learn an instrument, according to recent research by the Musicians’ Union3. The cost of equipment, instruments and materials prevents many from developing their talents. photo: Jess Hurd Once embarked on a career Trade unions have supported Families with a total household the costs of travel and initiatives such as the Respect income of less than £28k are performing for little, if any, Festivals, St Paul’s Carnival, half as likely to have a child fees exacerbates the divide Pride events and other learning an instrument as more between those who can afford community led events. affluent peers with a family such a career and those who income of £48k or more. cannot. There is limited capacity of This stark disparity exists community groups, relying despite similar levels of Diversity on volunteers, to cope with the complex aspects of event interest from both groups of Inequality remains a blight organising. This has been children. Cost is currently the on society and a barrier to made worse by the lack of greatest barrier to learning, economic progress. Culture council advice and support with over two-fifths (41%) can provide the most visible as well as the demands of an of those from lower income features of the polarisation under-resourced police force families saying lessons are of society but it can also be who must view such events beyond their household the driving force for diversity for their income-generating budgets. and the advancement of opportunities rather than their marginalised communities. Cost also impacts on how community value. children learn. Those from Public funding for the arts has low and mid-income families been criticised for unequal are more likely to teach support for classical and themselves, missing out on the traditional culture. Parts of benefits of a specialised tutor, the South West have a rich exposing a clear need for base for classical music and music provision in schools. opera. Some make positive The educational attainment and pro-active measures of parents also plays a factor to seek entrants from in whether children will pick disadvantaged backgrounds up an instrument. Nearly half but more is possible. Schools (48%) of children who have need resources to sufficiently parents educated to university encourage children into the level will learn an instrument, arts otherwise this social compared with one-fifth (21%) mobility is further restricted. with only secondary school Activities and events to education. celebrate diversity have Misty in Roots 2 BPI 2019

3 Musicians Union 2018 struggled under austerity. photo: Jess Hurd 3

Trade unions are campaigning enquiry into social mobility in the inspiration, resources to tackle the inequality in the the sector being conducted and networks are generated creative world. The Writers’ by the Performers’ Alliance which lead to creative success. Guild found only 16% of working All-Party Parliamentary Group, Universal and inclusive access film writers in the UK are engaging MPs and Peers to the means of producing, female and only 14% of prime- from across the political viewing and learning about the time TV is written by women. spectrum. It will recommend arts provides the foundation measures that can be taken from which these industries In its ‘Manifesto for Casting’ by government, industry and are forged. the actors’ union Equity others to ensure that everyone Art funding sometimes makes the case for widening has the opportunity to break includes school visits and access to opportunities. It into and progress in these community involvement, but highlights the discrimination careers. that continues in the industry it is often transitory cash, and how social class remains The creative economy here today gone tomorrow. There is a lack of consistency, a barrier to an acting career. Outside London and the South sustainability and project Much of the arts world is East, the South West has legacy. too concentrated in London, the second highest regional reinforced by skewed funding employment in the creative Local authorities, despite patterns. sector. Heritage employment financial pressures, are best Trade unions welcome the in the region is the greatest placed to offer sustenance outside of London4. anchored in the community to provide a long term Local Industrial Strategies, strategy of support. In their Verity by developed by Local Enterprise role as commissioners of Damien Hirst Partnerships and the West local services, planning in Illfracombe of England Mayor champion authorities and landlords creative industries yet show they could do more to help. little understanding of the They could (and sometimes dynamics at the core of do) act as champions of local the creative environment. arts and culture, working as Business support schemes are strategic brokers, advisers welcome but must be seen in and critical friends to create a the context of funding cuts more cohesive culture for all. and art space closures. The However, many of our public creative arts at local level are spaces, where creativity can the essential seedbed from flourish, have been privatised which creative industries grow. and sterilised in the cause The Arts Council calculate for of commercial gain. The every £1 of salary paid by the freedom to perform in city, arts and creative industries, an town and shopping centres additional £2.01 is generated has been reduced by private in the wider economy5. management companies and Creative industries boost a homogenised view of the community engagement and world. Art and music offers cohesion but they cannot rely high streets opportunities solely on volunteers. Public to attract visitors. The pier funding is vital to ensure approach in Bournemouth is access for all and to champion a great event space but the the cutting edge work which showcase for local musicians feeds the creative economy. has now stopped. From community festivals, South West arts has a strong to local choirs they often base for traditional, ‘high- need outreach workers and brow’ arts but it has also low-cost facilities to practice been driven by a challenging, and perform. It is here that subversive culture. The 4 CASE Regional Insights

photo: Nigel Costley 5 Arts Council 2014 street art of Bristol, the anti- 4

centres help sustain many Wara other creative businesses and attract some amazing talent. They should use their status by also demonstrating the highest standards of employment conditions including recognising trade unions and paying no one less than the real living wage. The arrival of Channel 4’s creative hub confirms the value of Bristol’s vibrant arts and cultural strength. Arts and culture as a visitor attractor Around a third of all inbound visits involve engagement with the arts and culture. The glorious coast, countryside and historic landmarks attract millions of visitors to the South

photo: Jess Hurd West but it is the arts that establishment origins of the ‘cloud’ means that people can sustain and entertain them. Glastonbury festival, West be expected to be ‘always on’ A number of places have country folk to drum and bass, until they crash out with stress. realised the value of art to the artists of Cornwall, and Some repetitive functions can bring in visitors. The Tate at St the radical authors and poets be sent ‘offshore’ to be carried Ives attracts thousands who from across the region have out anywhere in the world pay between £8.50-£13.00 launched initiatives that have where labour is cheapest. admission in contrast to the grown to multi-million pound free Tate in London. projects as well as a network Employment status Illfracombe welcomed Damian of community based facilities The industry relies on a lot Hirst to the north Devon and hubs. of freelancers and this can town and his striking artwork New technology mean independence for on the harbourside attracts creative workers or bogus many people into the town. Augmented and virtual reality, self-employment leaving Banksy’s Dismaland attracted artificial intelligence, machine them vulnerable to be treated 150,000 visitors from around learning and automation unfairly. Young people trying the world to Weston-super- offer exciting opportunities to carve out a career are told Mare and boosted the local in the creative sector. But it they will get on thanks to economy by £20m. Plymouth’s carries risk for workers. The their creative skills but with Theatre Royal has installed the video effects and games little transparency in pay and stunning sculpture, Messenger, industry is now a massive conditions they are often by Cornish artist Joseph Hillier. employer, worth more than used because they are the the music and film industries cheapest. Music tourism put together. But it relies on a A survey commissioned by supply of eager young creative South West film production UK Music in 2016 identified workers who are prepared The South West is the creative a direct and indirect spend to work long hours. On the hub for many blockbusters and generated by music tourism launch of one big game, the TV hit shows. The BBC Natural of £295 million in the South boss boasted of staff working History Unit in Bristol produces West during the previous year, 100-hour weeks. The sector world-beating programmes. with a total of 851,000 visitors is known for ‘burning out’ Aardman’s animations are which helped to support 3,658 workers with high levels of enjoyed by millions of people jobs in the area. The cultural, churn. Technology and the around the world. These iconic social and economic impact of 5

There will often be tensions between economic improvement and the supply of low cost business units. ‘Gentrification’ risks impacting on creative workspaces in particular. Planners need to work with local communities and the users of existing work spaces to accommodate such needs and balance the development of affordable housing and other commercial interests. photo: Nigel Costley Art and culture for health festivals such as Glastonbury is and well-being huge and provides a significant boost to both local tourism Art and culture can be of and economies. As a further significant value for the health example, in the same survey and well-being of people of all Exeter alone hosted 49,000 ages. The NHS recognises that attendees at live music events, creative activities can benefit generating £6 million and patients with a wide range supporting 64 jobs in the city. of conditions. Matt Hancock The contribution of musical the Health Secretary recently announced new investment events and music tourism to Costumes at the Bottle Yard the South West is significant in this area declaring: access and should be supported in Location South West to arts and social activities improves people’s mental and every way possible, The South West has lots of physical health. Art and music sites for film locations and Heritage South West can be especially valuable to some places have sought to dementia sufferers. The South West has more develop production facilities ancient monuments than any close at hand. Locations These initiatives require other region. Stonehouse become visitor attractions a supply of creative is one of the most visited as people enjoy seeing professionals who can be heritage sites in the country where favourite films and TV trained to serve the social with more than one million programmes were shot. care interests. Culture and people going to the stones creativity give us the tools to Port Isaac in Cornwall has every year. The city of Bath is find out more about ourselves, almost become the village of a UNESCO World Heritage to challenge preconceptions, Portwenn for real following the Site. Heritage is an important to grow emotionally and popularity of the TV series Doc source of economic prosperity intellectually. They are the Martin. Poldark highlighted the worth around £3.1 billion to vehicles through which we are glory of Cornwall and locations the region’s economy. The able to articulate otherwise such as Charlestown appear sector employs more than inexpressible feelings and in many films. Star Wars came 53,000 people supporting 25.4 thoughts about our place in 6 to the Forest of Dean as million visits . the world. We are enabled to 6 Historic England 2018 did Harry Potter. Villages in Wiltshire have been turned into many a period drama. The initiative to develop the Bottle Yard studios in Bristol brings welcome employment to south Bristol. Its nine film studios and production facilities have helped grow Stonehenge associated businesses. Poldark - a South West success 6

paid properly for their work. welcome the decision to re- #Useitpayforit is the hashtag open it under an alternative for its campaign to encourage name that doesn’t carry the amateurs to understand the legacy of Bristol’s slave trade.

photo: Jess Hurd value of the photographs and Some venues have been videos they provide to news forced to close and others organisations. are under threat due to a lack There is a growing trend to of funding, hikes in rent and expect writers to work for free. business rates or pressures Sometimes it is dressed up as from development. ‘pre-writes’ and ‘sweepstake New housing development pitching’ but for professional in proximity to music venues writers trying to sustain a have led to noise complaints career it can mean weeks of from residents. A survey in time-consuming research and 2015 found that up to half work for no pay. of Bristol’s 90 music venues There is massive demand from were affected by neighbouring young people to find careers developments. in film and video games and Kerry McCarthy Bristol East Bristol has a young population the like. Some employers take MP and Chair of the All-Party and a reputation for nurturing Parliamentary Group on the advantage of this by offering musical talent. It has the Performing Arts unpaid, or very poorly paid, highest number of musicians internships and long trials. relative to population in scan the virtual maps of our The TUC has found that the UK according to the lives, to make adjustments, young workers feel unable to Performing Rights Society. come to terms with limitations, challenge poor conditions. It make ourselves more resilient is working on new digital ways Bristol City Council tried to and adaptable. This helps to to provide advice and build insist developers paid for create the grounding for a collective support. sound-proofing of the Fleece healthy society. venue but this was turned The South West TUC urges down by the courts of appeal. Work not play unions themselves to ‘practise Other venues such as the what they preach’ by paying All too often creative Thekla, The Fiddlers and professionals are expected writers, photographers, artists to work for nothing. Festival and performers the agreed union rates for the job. West Country organisers have to pay for folk star Steve stages, toilets, security and the Venues Knightley rest but some will then pack Having the right mix of venues the bill with musicians who are and performance spaces is expected to perform for the vital for the cultural life of a exposure rather than proper place. Publicly funded venues pay rates. have been hit by cuts and With income from CD sales many rely on a combination falling and illegal downloads a of commercial, public and feature of the music business, charitable support. Some artists rely on earnings from of the iconic venues in the live performances. There is a region have recently been, or lack of respect for creators’ are going through, significant rights with some consumers refurbishments, such as the and businesses using content Hall for Cornwall, Brewhouse without permission or Theatre in Taunton, Old Vic in payment. Bristol and the Theatre Royal The NUJ is committed to Bath. ensuring that the right of its Colston Hall is undergoing members to be treated fairly major work and trade unions

is upheld and that they are photo: Jess Hurd 7

Louisiana feel threatened by Brexit nearby developments. The creative and Publicly funded art can be cultural unions controversial especially at share a deep a time of austerity. Trade concern over the unions will not jump on the impact of Brexit tabloid press attacks on such on their members’ initiatives and any value for rights at work money assessment must take and ability to tour into account wider issues around Europe. around well being and the The freedom to advancement of the arts. travel for work is a The last Labour Government critical aspect for allowed new public buildings many performers a proportion for art and this and unions will press should be protected where. for a system that The same applies to public maintains this right. art on road development highways and other public The value of unions space. Unions representing Night economy workers in the creative and entertainment Bristol City Council has industries have proved Equity’s magazine celebrates its recognised the importance of the most adaptable and 90th birthday the night economy and has responsive. They have proud established an advisory panel The Broadcasting and histories. For example, the to consider the challenges Entertainment union National Society for Education posed by it. (BECTU) recently secured a in Art and Design (NSEAD) ground-breaking agreement It needs to provide a focus for origins can be traced to 1888, with the motion picture the workers involved in this when a group of art school industry. It came as a result economy including those in principals recognised the of a successful partnership transport, health, hospitality need to raise the standard between union reps, and entertainment, as well as of art teaching and improve producers and employers’ identifying threats which may the status of art teachers. The associations. Workers at all impact upon cultural business Musicians’ Union was founded levels in camera, lighting, such as music venues who in 1893, Equity is celebrating costume, hair and make-up, operate within the city. its 90th anniversary this year locations, art department, and the Writers’ Guild its 60th. The vibrancy of the night props and more, will have the economy relies on music and Unions provide a powerful benefit of a range of workers culture yet the workforce is voice for workers in the sector rights and protections. often under-valued. and negotiate with employers. Learning unions Workers in the entertainment sectors need access to good training. Often self- employed, they cannot rely on an employer and in a fast- changing environment they need the latest skills. There is a high level of reliance on self-learning using online tutorials. This carries the risk of excluding those who lack digital skills. BECTU and the NUJ offers a photo: Nigel Costley 8

The South West Manifesto for Culture

menu of courses for freelance insurance and work-related members such as finance, legal advice. Courses on offer building web sites and include how to make the most maximising online presence. of remote auditions, helping They offer members access to members look their best. public liability insurance. Specialist training in editing Voice and new software is available and initiative courses such as This report confirms the need training for professional hair and value of empowering and make-up artists working in creative and cultural workers. film and TV with BAME make- Their voice needs to be up and hair. heard by employers, funding agencies and industry leaders. BECTU offers a Creative We recognise the importance Industries Safety Passport of arts, heritage and culture designed specifically for but that must include Olly Alexander, actor, dancer workers, employed or respecting those who work in and lead singer with Years freelance, working in film, TV, the industries. and Years, is an international theatre and live events. success story from the Forest of Dean. The Musicians’ Union offers He is a champion for LGBT training and support for rights and greater diversity freelance members and a in the industry. Olly supports menu of options including the call for more investment time management and body in South West arts and language. welcomes this Manifesto. Equity membership includes many benefits such as

www.artistsunionengland.org.uk www.bectu.org.uk www.equity.org.uk www.theMU.org [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 02920 666557 02920 397971 02920 456585 9

The South West Manifesto for Culture

We are calling for:

Culture greatly enriches the life of people in the South West, and contributes hugely to our regional economy. As trade unions, we aim to build a coalition of support for greater investment in the arts across the South West by: • Building a coalition of support for greater investment in the arts across the South West • Supporting the 50p for Culture campaign for local council investment in the arts and heritage • Ensuring grant funding builds sustainable support for the arts • An integrated local government policy framework to support the creative arts as powerful engines for attracting investment, raising aspiration and building stronger, healthier communities • Demanding professional artists, musicians, writers and cultural workers are paid properly and not asked to perform for free • Enabling trade union organisation in the industry to set good standards for training, working conditions and fair treatment • Paying at least the real Living Wage • Maintaining freedom to travel and tour for work after Brexit • Building the campaign for greater recognition and support for arts education at all levels of schools • Lobbying for every child to have access to free instrumental music lessons in schools • Supporting a range of measures to improve diversity in all aspect of the artistic world • Advocating the health benefits for engagement in arts and culture and the place for arts professionals in the health and social care system

National Society for Public and Commercial Education in Art and Design Services Union Writers’ Guild of Great Britain www.nsead.org www.nuj.org.uk www.pcs.org.uk www.writersguild.org.uk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01225 810134 020 7843 3700 0117 925 1600 020 7833 0777 Church House, Church Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7BD 0117 947 0521 [email protected] www.tuc.org.uk/southwest @swtuc