Voices of the Future: The arts industry should not be left behind.

Niamh Ingram, digital media student at the University of Leeds, explains why the arts industry should not be left behind.
Taverner...The Old Red Bus Station, Vicar Lane, Leeds...30th November 2016 ..Picture by Simon HulmeTaverner...The Old Red Bus Station, Vicar Lane, Leeds...30th November 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme
Taverner...The Old Red Bus Station, Vicar Lane, Leeds...30th November 2016 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

Imagine being told to get another job because yours is pointless.

In November, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, did exactly that. He has since claimed that he only meant that those working in arts industries should be trying “new and exciting opportunities”. 

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Actress Alice Fearn tweeted the emotions of many upon hearing this: “I’m so angry, I don’t think I can form words anymore”.

Sunak’s comments momentarily made headlines - yet the uproar swiftly dissipated from our Twitter feeds, with the industry once again accepting its inferior status.

Sunak’s words do, unfortunately, mirror viewpoints of much of society.

Abi Whistance, a Leeds-based radio presenter and founder of ‘To The Local’, said that “people assume that because I’m quite young I don’t know what I’m doing, or they know more about a subject than I do, when in reality I’ve been in the field around six years and know what I’m talking about”.

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The Arts vs Society debate is one which cannot be ignored; such a significant industry must not be devalued.

These perspectives have emerged from a deep-rooted bias towards the overruling importance of academic sectors.

In no way should their significance be diminished.

The unconscious slander of less academic sectors, though, is unnecessary - especially considering how influential the arts industries are to our everyday lives.

The arts have kept us sane throughout lockdowns.

Think Tiger King, which took Netflix by storm. Arts help to provide an escape and are necessary to provide entertainment that we all consume - whether we like it or not.

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Not only does the industry provide personal satisfaction, but it shapes the identity of cities too, such as our own.

Leeds is home to countless independent collectives; look no further than Abi’s ‘To The Local’, giving local artists a voice, and venues that contribute to the city’s vibrant identity, such as The Old Red Bus Station (pictured to the left) and Distrikt Bar.

So, how do we ensure that this debate doesn’t die? 

Quite frankly, those pursuing livelihoods within the industry must speak up.

Instead of allowing someone’s dig at the career you have worked for slide, politely let them know how what you do impacts their life. The reaction will be interesting.

The influence of the arts industries surrounds us.

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If everyone within the sector were to retrain, as Sunak suggested, your television guide would be looking rather empty for starters.

Those that form the industries are important: and we cannot be disappearing into the abyss whilst our graft is so blatantly disregarded.

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