Is there a future for the UK arts and creative industry?
Many fear that Brexit could end the British creative industry as we know it.
It could mean leaving the EU-funding program called Creative Europe, which has benefitted almost 10 per cent of British art and culture projects – over £10 million in 2014. And no replacement has yet been announced.
In addition, the future of the tax relief program for the creative industries, intellectual property rights or income based on resale and licensing, is thrown into question.
The creative industries made up over 9 per cent of Britain’s export of services in 2009-14, with a worth of £2,1 billion more than what was imported in the same time period. The UK’s soft power of attraction also could hang in the balance.
Much depends on the final agreement between the UK and the EU27, but the Arts Council England should be given a voice in the negotiations, to make sure these issues are prioritised. This could include continued participation in Creative Europe and EU Cities of Culture, but also less rigid regulation for creative professionals and students.
Has your life in the creative industry changed since the referendum?
Valeria Vigilante 9 months ago
This is a very interesting point, scarcely mentioned in the debate. Do you have any idea on how the creative industry might get the general public's attention and influence the negotiations?
Gaia 9 months ago
The uncertainty around what will come next and the disappointment at the decision to leave the EU are palpable at arts universities; I've heard myself many fellow students reconsidering their long term plans to stay in the UK in favour of going back home to a more 'stable' situation - or for fear of having more difficulties than natives at finding a job, or even of being 'kicked out' of the country.
As appealing as Britain's creative industry has always looked abroad, I doubt it could be as lively without its multiculturality and inputs from different countries; this should be something to keep in mind at Brexit negotiations.
Tom Badley 9 months ago
There are plenty of amazing British bands to pick from, with names like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Oasis, Blur, and Queen, just to name some of the most famous ones. They didn't need the EU!