The University think-tank, million+, has released a new report to launch at a reception in the House of Commons, which asserts that Government needs to develop a strong strategy for the UK’s creative industries and universities. The report comes at a time when Government and substantial business investors focus predominantly on STEM industries, promoting ‘facilitating subjects’ in schools, and developing performance measurements that favour STEM subjects by allocating them more ‘weight’. Other measures, such as those monitoring employment, also disadvantage creative careers by failing to recognise different patterns of employment common to the creative and cultural sectors. These discourage students choosing creative and cultural subjects in schools and universities, as they are increasingly associated with the myth of limiting an individual’s career opportunities and job prospects.
The premise of the report outlined in the forward is that the continuing development of the UK’s creative industries is being neglected, and that Government needs to ensure the UK’s creative industries remain vibrant and strong. The report demonstrates that Universities play a key role in developing talent and skills that directly contribute to the creative sector. 60.5% of jobs within creative industries are held by those with a degree, and nearly 70% with some level of higher education. Meanwhile the creative economy is one of the largest growing sectors, and is worth a booming £76.9 billion, making up for 5% of the whole UK economy, and creating 2.8 million jobs in 2014.
While the report covers key points in understanding the importance of the creative industry and role of HEIs in developing talent, it would be interesting to see how influential and convincing it is for those who prefer to support alternative industries. It would have been worthwhile stressing the societal and cultural benefits creative industries bring to communities, and whether cuts and a lack of support have directly impacted vulnerable industries or programmes. A comparative analysis with other countries in terms of their support and investment in the arts and culture, cross-cultural collaborations and talent, would have also allowed a deeper understanding as to how we rate with other nations.
Regardless, the report is a first step to many that need to be taken so that the arts and culture are not jeopardised in a society increasingly absorbed with measuring successes in a manner that may overlook the quality and value provided by both art and culture.