Arts Council England has published two key pieces of research today (Thursday). They are The Economic Impact Study of UK Theatre and MORI: Implementing the national policy for theatre, case studies 1. The most comprehensive economic impact study of theatre in this country shows that the economic impact of UK theatre is £2.6 billion annually. This major industry benefits from a minimal amount of public subsidy (£121.3 million). Key findings are The economic impact of UK theatre is £2.6 billion The economic impact of theatre beyond the West End is £1.1 billion The economic impact of West End theatre is £1.5 billion Every audience member spends an average of £7.77 on food, transport and childcare when they visit a UK theatre outside of the West End Every audience member spends an average of £53.77 on food, transport and childcare when they visit a West End theatre There are at least 16,000 volunteers working in the UK theatre sector Research from MORI shows that the Arts Council’s Theatre Review has revitalised and invigorated the theatre industry, giving organisations a new impetus to develop and succeed. Key findings are More and better employment opportunities are available in theatre Theatres are able to plan ahead, be more strategic and are more financially secure The quality of work of theatre in England has improved Morale has improved significantly and confidence within the sector has been transformed Theatre is taking positive steps to address issues of diversity Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair of Arts Council England said: “These important pieces of research show us that with relatively little public subsidy, theatre can contribute an enormous amount to our economy and society. In a very short time, the Theatre Review investment has enriched our cultural landscape and its impact has been immediate. There aren’t many pieces of research, in the arts which show the results of Arts Council intervention quiet this clearly.” For further information contact Alex Holdaway, Press Officer, 020 7973 6459, mobile 07884 311 035 or alex.holdaway@artscouncil.org.uk Notes for editors: Total investment in theatre Arts Council England: £100 million; Scottish Arts Council: £12.8 million; Arts Council of Wales: £6.4 million; Arts Council of Northern Ireland £2.1 million. The Theatre Review In July 2000 the Arts Council of England published the National Policy for Theatre in England. In the same month, the Arts Council secured an extra £100 million of Government funding for the arts from 2003/4. £25 million of this new money was allocated to theatre annually from 2003/4 in order to implement the National Policy for Theatre in England. This represented a 72% increase in the budget for theatre (excluding the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company). National policy for theatre in England In October 2000, a theatre committee was appointed to advise the Arts Council on the implementation of the national policy for theatre in England, and in March 2001, the Arts Council announced details of the allocation of an extra £25 million for theatre. This represented a 72% increase in the budget for theatre (excluding the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company). The national policy identified eight priorities for theatre in England A better range of high quality work Attract more people Develop new ways of working Education Address diversity and inclusion Develop the artists and creative managers of the future An international reputation A regional distinctiveness Research on the impact of the theatre review Research report 33, Implementing the national policy for theatre in England. Baseline findings by MORI, for Arts Council England In 2002, MORI undertook a quantitive study of funded theatres. This study provided a baseline for exploring the implementation of the national policy for theatre in England. MORI: Implementing the national policy for theatre in England. Case studies 1 16 qualitative case studies of theatre organisations across the country. The report looks at how theatre organisations have implemented, or have begun to implement the two areas of ‘diversity and inclusion’ and ‘new ways of working’. An Economic Impact Study of UK Theatre, Dominic Shellard, University of Sheffield In partnership with SOLT, TMA, ITC, the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation, the Arts Council of Wales, the Scottish Arts Council, the Performers Alliance and the European Equal Programme, the Arts Council commissioned Dominic Shellard of the University of Sheffield to conduct the most comprehensive economic impact study of theatre in this country, encompassing all of the building-based theatres in the United Kingdom. |
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Sunday, May 9, 2004 |
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