Can the arts survive without governmental support? Will there be a new advent or private patronage in the UK? Will new artists have the means to grasp education and employment in the arts?
In 2011, the funding for over 200 art organisations was either cut, or scrapped altogether. Does this mean the death knell for institutions that rely on the public sector for their livelihood, or was it just “good housekeeping” on the part of the government in Great Britain?
Does Art Have a Function in Society?
Should art have to serve a function to be able to receive the funding that it needs to continue and indeed to flourish? Arts Council England (ACE) slashed the overall Arts budget by 29.6% and while there were some organisations who received increases, even stalwarts such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National theatre and the Royal Opera House had to accept significantly reduced subsidies.
Many people have decried the move by ACE, but still others have applauded the move and believe that art should be entirely self-supporting or funded by private institutions.
Patronage and Private Art Funding
Throughout history, some of the greatest artists have been funded, not through the government, but through the private sector. It was common for wealthy citizens of all countries and cultures to fund artists, writers, and filmmakers to enable them to create their masterpieces. The church in Italy was responsible for the funding of many of the Renaissance artists and Pope Julius II was a patron of Michelangelo. Mozart, Shakespeare, Beethoven and Leonardo da Vinci all enjoyed and sought the patronage of the nobility. Public funding for the arts has only been popular since the rise of capitalism as a social convention. Public funding of the arts created museums, theatres and a way to bring art closer to the people.
How Does Art Funding Influence Society?
While many will argue that funds from the government will always be better spent on education, housing and healthcare, the sponsorship of the arts across England has always provided a livelihood and generated interest, money and industry across the country. In many countries, the film industry is a multi-billion pound industry that brings money into the country and creates economic empowerment and jobs. One need only look to the massive increase in the film industry in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Nigeria as examples of the excellence and economic prosperity provided through funding for the film industry.
Theatre, Fine Arts, and Music – The Poor Relatives of Film
While the film industry may be big business, what about theatre? In particular what about the regional theatre, music and art groups? People across the UK are asking the question: “What about “grass roots” theatre,” which seeks to educate through entertainment. Smaller theatre groups, art schools and independent artists may be unable to secure funding which will have a massive impact on educating the youth about the arts. Many smaller groups work in disadvantaged communities and use art as the impetus for social change across Great Britain.
Cutting funding to the arts may be a political manoeuvre, but will it move the heart and soul of the arts Great Britain?
This article was contributed by UK based online printing service, Print Express.
In 2011, the funding for over 200 art organisations was either cut, or scrapped altogether. Does this mean the death knell for institutions that rely on the public sector for their livelihood, or was it just “good housekeeping” on the part of the government in Great Britain?
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| credit: psd |
Does Art Have a Function in Society?
Should art have to serve a function to be able to receive the funding that it needs to continue and indeed to flourish? Arts Council England (ACE) slashed the overall Arts budget by 29.6% and while there were some organisations who received increases, even stalwarts such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National theatre and the Royal Opera House had to accept significantly reduced subsidies.
Many people have decried the move by ACE, but still others have applauded the move and believe that art should be entirely self-supporting or funded by private institutions.
Patronage and Private Art Funding
Throughout history, some of the greatest artists have been funded, not through the government, but through the private sector. It was common for wealthy citizens of all countries and cultures to fund artists, writers, and filmmakers to enable them to create their masterpieces. The church in Italy was responsible for the funding of many of the Renaissance artists and Pope Julius II was a patron of Michelangelo. Mozart, Shakespeare, Beethoven and Leonardo da Vinci all enjoyed and sought the patronage of the nobility. Public funding for the arts has only been popular since the rise of capitalism as a social convention. Public funding of the arts created museums, theatres and a way to bring art closer to the people.
How Does Art Funding Influence Society?
While many will argue that funds from the government will always be better spent on education, housing and healthcare, the sponsorship of the arts across England has always provided a livelihood and generated interest, money and industry across the country. In many countries, the film industry is a multi-billion pound industry that brings money into the country and creates economic empowerment and jobs. One need only look to the massive increase in the film industry in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Nigeria as examples of the excellence and economic prosperity provided through funding for the film industry.
Theatre, Fine Arts, and Music – The Poor Relatives of Film
While the film industry may be big business, what about theatre? In particular what about the regional theatre, music and art groups? People across the UK are asking the question: “What about “grass roots” theatre,” which seeks to educate through entertainment. Smaller theatre groups, art schools and independent artists may be unable to secure funding which will have a massive impact on educating the youth about the arts. Many smaller groups work in disadvantaged communities and use art as the impetus for social change across Great Britain.
Cutting funding to the arts may be a political manoeuvre, but will it move the heart and soul of the arts Great Britain?
This article was contributed by UK based online printing service, Print Express.
When compared to all other countries i think there is more audience for rt works among UK people. Keep it up guys
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