An open letter on the future of Arts funding in England, in response to Sir Nicholas Serota’s article in the Guardian on Friday 16th May 2025
You can read The Guardian Article Here.
Dear Nicholas Serota, Arts Council England, policymakers, and cultural organisations,
The discussion surrounding the precarious state of arts funding in England highlights a critical moment for our cultural sector. While the challenges faced by organisations are undeniable, we must also acknowledge the plight of freelance and independent artists and creatives — those who form the backbone of our creative industries yet remain chronically under-supported.
Freelancers make up a significant portion of the creative workforce, with 49% of the cultural sector workforce being freelance, and 70% of visual arts workers operating independently. Despite their contributions, many struggle with financial instability, with 65% of visual artists earning below the national minimum wage. Without direct investment in these individuals, we risk losing the very talent that makes our cultural venues and organisations vibrant and relevant.
Moreover, research consistently shows that arts participation increases in communities where artists live and work. The presence of creatives fosters engagement, strengthens local identity, and enhances social cohesion. The economic benefits are equally compelling—the UK’s creative industries contributed £126 billion to the economy in 2022 and employed 2.4 million people. Whilst you mention in your article that public investment in cultural organisations and institutions compels inward investment—Investing in artists is not just a cultural imperative; it is an economic necessity and an essential for our communities to thrive.
A thriving creative workforce must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Yet, entrenched inequalities persist, with barriers to entry disproportionately affecting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. If we are to ensure the continued relevance of our cultural sector, we must prioritise inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities.
While supporting organisations is vital, it is equally crucial to provide direct funding and structural support to the artists themselves. Without them, our theatres, galleries, and cultural spaces risk becoming hollow institutions, disconnected from the very creativity they are meant to celebrate.
It is even more important in the spaces and places outside of London, where communities can feel divided and artists (and art) hold a real key to bring the community together, hold space for challenging conversation and develop understanding and connection; whilst also supporting the health and wellbeing of communities and connecting our children to high quality cultural experiences. But this can’t happen when artists themselves are struggling to survive, not without the risk of sacrificing the wellness of our creatives for the productivity of our industry.
We urge policymakers and government to consider a balanced approach—one that safeguards institutions where appropriate, while also ensuring that the creative workforce, and future creative workforce, receives the support it desperately needs. The future of our cultural sector adn our communities depends on it. We are an ecology, and the Freelance and Independent cultural workforce are the heart of that ecology.
Sincerely,
Leila d’Aronville - Founder of North East Cultural Freelancers
North East Cultural Freelancer is a community of over 5,600 people, working and supporting the independent cultural workforce in the North East of England and beyond.
Sources
https://www.dacs.org.uk/advocacy/freelance-labour
https://blueprintarts.co.uk/2021/06/02/10-ways-the-arts-benefit-our-communities/
https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/contribution-of-the-arts-to-society-and-the-economy/
https://www.suttontrust.com/news-opinion/all-news-opinion/the-class-crisis-in-creative-he/
https://pec.ac.uk/state_of_the_nation/arts-cultural-heritage-audiences-and-workforce-2/
