Tony Cragg, ‘Britain Seen from the North’ (1981). Source: http://www2.tate.org.uk
Employment
- In 2014, the Creative Industries are estimated to be worth £71.4 billion per year to the UK economy, with growth of almost 10% in 2012, outperforming all other sectors of UK industry.
- In 2012, Creative Industries accounted for 1.68 million jobs, which is 5.6% of all UK jobs.
- The GVA (gross value added) of the creative industries increased by 15.6% from 2008, compared with an increase of 5.4% for the UK Economy as a whole. Source: Creative Industries Economic Estimates.
- In 2011-12, employment in the Creative Industries increased by 8.6 per cent, a much higher rate than for the UK Economy as a whole (0.7%).
- There were 913,000 arts, entertainment and recreation jobs in the UK workforce at September 2013 (an increase from 897,000 the previous year). Source: Statistica.
- This excludes education (teaching or studying), administration and support services, other related activities, and volunteering.
Status in Europe
- The UK is the largest art market by value (£3.5 billion) in Europe and second only to the USA in world terms.
Appeal of art institutions
- Museums and Galleries nationally are some of the top attractions visited by the public.
- The 17 national museums and galleries received 28.4 million visits in 2001.
- In 1999, the British Museum, Tate Gallery and National Gallery all had approximately twice as many visitors as they did in 1981.
- In 1999, 28% of the UK population visited a museum or gallery.
Participation
- There are over 800 formal theatre performance venues, and over 500 companies producing professional drama, dance, opera and music theatre in the UK.
- There is also a strong amateur tradition, with over 550 major festivals each year.
The Voluntary arts
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Voluntary arts are arts and crafts that people undertake for self-improvement, social networking and leisure, but not primarily for payment.
- Over half of the UK adult population is involved in voluntary arts and crafts.
- Voluntary arts contribute an estimated £50 million into the UK economy each year.
- In 1991, 53% of adults claimed an active part in some form of the arts and crafts, but not as a profession. Source: Arts Council of Great Britain.
- There are an estimated 10 to 15 million cultural volunteers in the UK.
