Advocacy Toolkit Helping you make the case for public investment in arts and culture
Arts and culture enrich every aspect of our lives and make for a better, fairer, healthier and more prosperous society Arts and culture are essential, but so embedded in our lives that their presence often goes unacknowledged. Consequently, arts and culture funding is not always high on the public’s consciousness. It is only when schools have no music, when libraries, museums, theatres, venues and galleries are gone, that the deep significance of the arts for all of us, and for future generations, will be understood. By then it will be too late. So in an uncertain economic climate, it is increasingly important that we act now. If we work together, we can influence decision makers and the wider public; and we can communicate what cuts in arts funding would mean to all communities, urban and rural, young and old, of every social class and background.
The holistic case for arts and culture Arts and culture make a valuable contribution to our lives in ways that are complex and interrelated. They illuminate our inner lives and enrich our emotional worlds. They make our economy strong through regeneration, job creation, exports, and they fly the flag for England abroad. They bring imagination, self-confidence and self-expression from the primary school to the lecture hall, and contribute to social wellbeing by engaging children, older people, the sick and the marginalised. The holistic case for arts and culture is a way of thinking about all these benefits. Using this as a lens, we can examine the impact of arts and culture and build powerful narratives that show how we contribute to our communities.
3 things we can all do to make the case for arts and culture Create your own story about the value you bring to your local community, thinking about the economic, social and educative benefits you provide as well as cultural ones – using relevant evidence and examples from the work you do. Make sure all your staff know this story and feel confident to advocate for arts and culture. Communicate your story in your media relations work, at events, on your website and through your social media channels. Build a relationship with your MP, your local councillors and other influential opinion formers in your area such as faith leaders, headteachers, leaders of higher education institutions and business people so they understand the value of what you do, and how you contribute to their priorities. Engage your Boards in this exercise as they are likely to be well connected.
We’ve created a simple guide to get you started. You’ll find lots of advice on the messages, tools and channels to help you make the case – go to:
artscouncil.org.uk/toolkit Join the conversation: #culturematters 0845 300 6200 @ace_national facebook.com/artscouncilofengland