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. @OliverDowden has finally made a statement outlining the roadmap out of lockdown measures for theatre and live performance - before you get your hopes up - it currently mentions no additional financial support for an industry set to be closed for what looks like another 6-8mnths
In 3 months we’ve seen two major spaces close, I’m aware of 4 organisations who have notified staff of redundancies yet to be made public. In 6 months, with this roadmap and no government support we will be facing a far uglier landscape...
What is painfully clear is this governments ambition to cut spending during a global pandemic - their balance sheet taking precedent over the livelihoods of 350k workers, the welfare and wellbeing of the communities, participants and volunteers we work with...
...the social disparities our sector at its best addresses and dismantles, the education and learning of our children and the hospitality economies the arts supports. This roadmap, like its counterpart for sport, has been shaped...
for and by the major institutions and commercial ventures (most of whom are in London) sighting broadcasts, outdoor performance and rehearsal as the way forward - none of which create revenue for small/mid scale spaces/companies and very little for even *some* larger institutions
Forgive my assertiveness here but as a community leader in the sector I see nothing in the culture secretary’s statement or roadmap that will save the sector from further collapse and urge other peers to come forward and speak up immediately too!
Its time for organisations to be louder + fight on our + their behalf - no longer hiding their current situation to save face. The landscape must be understood by @OliverDowden, culture task force, supporters and audiences. This isn’t the time to commission a monologue for £1.50
This is also a moment to share - those with the most, the deepest pockets mustn’t sit on self protectionism. I urge you to meet with your boards and lead! The wall of silence and non-partisan approach cannot remain. Action!
My parting words to you @OliverDowden - this isn’t good enough. Your peers in Germany, Ireland, France, New Zealand and Australia have already all dedicated specific financial support to the art sector - its time you lobbied your government to do the same.
