Despite the recent "wins" for the minority groups within the international arts and culture sector, such as Nan Goldin's receipt of the top spot in ArtReview's Power 100 list, co-authors Ayvianna Snow, Alice Dupont, Frances Rifkin, and Pam Foley opted to bring awareness on the issues that yet permeates within the sector, specifically the UK's, in a recently published editorial letter.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: People pose for photographs during a photocall for Marco Brambilla’s new work "Heaven’s Gate" on the 16K screens of the Outernet London display on January 20, 2023 in London, England.
Discrimination Within the UK's Arts and Culture Sector
They cautioned about the inequalities and discrimination that still run rampant in the country's artistic and cultural industries, especially those that revolve around "gender, ethnicity, class, and disability."
The recent global pandemic, and consequently the rising cost of living, has only aggravated these "symptoms" and increased these incongruities, putting the arts and culture sector at risk of becoming an exclusive "club" for "white, public school-educated men."
The authors request a holistic systemic change, starting with the reconstruction of the higher brass that comprises cultural and artistic institutions as it no longer represents the body it governs. Their main argument is that the leadership should be a reflection of the diversity that British culture has, whether it is in museums, galleries, or theaters.
Bridging the Gap with Increased Funding
Another problem this inequality is manifested into is the financial unevenness when it comes to the UK art sector's underfunding, as compared to its neighboring countries France and Germany, despite its annual contribution of over £112 billion, or $141 billion, to the economy.
According to the authors, an increase in the country's public funding to meet the European average of 1% would in turn expand the budget for the sector more than two-fold.
This will then open up access for a wider range of individuals with varying needs, effectively increasing the much-needed representation and breathing new life into the already geographically diverse industries through new cultural centers, art spaces, and even training programs.
The authors concluded their letter with a call to action addressed to the UK's succeeding government, requesting investment in the arts and cultural sector with an emphasis on the societal and economic benefits of turning over such support.
"Bread for all, and roses too," concluded the authors.
Read More: Former Artistic Director of RSC Gregory Doran Receives Knighthood in Annual New Year Honours List
