Arts and Culture Strategy Consultation
Online survey response
March 2016
Background
A consultation on a ten-year Strategy for Culture & Arts 2016-2026 was launched in November 2015 and closed on 22 February 2016. Respondents to the consultation were able to respond by email, post or through an online survey. This report provides an overview of the responsesprovided through the online survey.
Respondents to the online survey
There were 328substantive responses to the online survey. 30 of these responses werefrom named organisations.
Appendix 1 lists the30 organisations who responded online.
This report provides a summary of responses to the questions posed, structured as follows:
Context: What does arts and culture mean to you?
Benefits of arts and culture
Proposed themes:Equality through arts and culture
Creativity and skills
Valued arts and culture
Rich cultural expression
Wellbeing
What does arts and culture mean to you?
As indicated in the consultation document, there is no single definition of arts and culture. The responses to the question what does arts and culture mean to you? reflected a myriad of meanings ranging from those at the individual level, to organisations and the wider population.
The responses could be grouped broadly as follows:
- The outward expression of values, attitudes and beliefs.
- An opportunity to break down barriers and divisions at individual and societal level, and to bridge divides between different ethnic backgrounds; religious backgrounds; and social backgrounds.
- Being at the heart of coherent, cohesive and healthy communities and wider society.
- Enjoyment of life; individual and collective wellbeing.
- Individual and societal enrichment.
- The expression of individuals’ creativity.
- Reducing isolation.
- Individuals’ own employment and lifelong careers.
Extracts are provided below from some of the comments provided in response to this question:
values, attitudes and beliefs outwardly expressed through music, dance, the arts and sport
contribute to the coherence and cohesion of society
express my lived experience creatively without fear or threat
opportunity to see broader vision
promoting awareness and generating discussion
those characteristics that make up who we are, defined in the context of our language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. The power to transform, to educate, to connect people and to improve the well-being of our communities
engagement of thousands of people across a range of backgrounds, cultures and geographical communities. transformed people's lives and supported the transformation of communities. The arts enable people to express their culture and explore their identity while learning about and developing an appreciation for that of others.
expression of your background and history through different forms such as music, books, dance and theatre
broaden perspectives and horizons
delivering social change and civic pride
film, music, writing, reading, dance, crafts. Seeing, participating, creating.
the expression of the essential human ability to be creative.
investigate and illuminate social and public issues that have an impact on the lives of ordinary people
address social issues
enriches lives, improves communities and inspires individuals.
part of an identity and is something to celebrate.
offers a vision of the future and a way to live at peace today.
An expression of creativity that is at the core of everyone's life
transformative and life-enhancing experiences that enrich individuals and society as a whole
citizens getting involved to create the kind of society in which they wish to live
hope against cynicism, Creation against entropy
broadens the mind, widens experience, helps maintain mental health, meeting others, communication, sense of community encourages and inspires own creativity
a chance to grow personally
a chance to show that the differences between us are not so ”big and deep”
it unites.
it's what makes society more than just existing
strengthen family relationships, make new friends
maintaining a healthy and democratic community at both a local, regional and international level.
a sense of community
the heart of any society
going to museums, galleries and theatres.
a way to see further, in a different manner, with different eyes
an appreciation of art, drama, poetry, history, local tradition, oral and written history, music, song, historic buildings and natural beauty spots, a sharing of crafts and talents and craic, interaction with and appreciation of the young, elderly and vulnerable in our community; conservation of plants, trees and other items which future generations can enjoy
appreciation of my heritage and that of others
expression of the vitality of a community
a channel for me to express myself
a vital part of our society's well being
art should be challenging. Culture is merely the way people are: their beliefs, interests, entertainments and ways of behaving
an intrinsic part of life for all.
essential to ensuring my life has meaning
intrinsic to my sense of self
they make life worth living.
bring communities together
participants rather than passive in our own life,
mostly its about humanity.
an educational tool, a form of entertainment, a career, a craft and powerful tool for therapy and introspection
the expression of our selves
a different lens through which to see the world
inspire an individual, a community, a country.
making bonds between people
a vehicle for personal expression, for community expression, for cultural expression
way to express myself
bridged the divide different ethnic backgrounds religious backgrounds and social backgrounds
make an impact for change in this country
self expression, it means an opening of the mind, it means making connections with people, it means new experiences
an opportunity for entire communities to engage, share and admire regardless of politics or religion.
the way I make my living
Benefits of arts and culture
Figure 1Do you agree with the benefits arts and culture can bring?
number of respondents (n) = 275
Of those who responded to the online consultation, 93% agreed with the benefits that were presented in the consultation document.
Many of the comments reinforced the benefits included in the consultation document or offered additional benefits. Some of the benefits mentioned include:
- Individual: Improving mental health and wellbeing, building confidence, broadening horizons and stimulating the mind, inspiration to try new things, developing new skills, developing a sense of belonging, enjoyment
- Society: Bringing people/communities together, bridging the divide, celebrating cultural identity, encouraging cultural diversity and developing an understanding of other cultures, promoting integration, conflict resolution, integrating marginalised communities/groups, providing challenge to societal norms
- Economic: Increasing tourism, providing employment
Some respondents took this opportunity to state that there was also a need to appreciate the arts for the arts themselves. Some also stated a concern that there could be a dilution of ‘excellence’ to improve ‘access’ when the sector should be striving for both.
Figure 2Do you agree that the value of arts and culture should be recognised by government?
number of respondents (n) = 260
Almost all respondents to the online consultation (97%) agree that the value of arts and culture should be recognised by government.
Many respondents once again highlighted that there are many benefits of arts and culture, and emphasised the importance of government recognition. Some respondents mentioned that while arts and culture are currently recognised they are not necessarily valued beyond the economic value. A number of respondents stated that by funding arts and culture there is a multiplier effect in the local area, with those attending arts and cultural events likely to spend additional money in local businesses before and after events.
Some respondents commented on the perception that government funding of the arts is lower in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK and Ireland, while others extended this to make comparisons with other EU countries. A number of respondents felt that without government funding there would be no opportunity to improve access and equality in arts and culture as this would not be driven by market forces.
A small number of respondents mentioned that care needs to be taken to not focus all funding on Belfast and Derry but to extend it to other areas.
Some respondents agreed that there should be government recognition of the arts and culture, but balanced this with the need for the sector to be at arm’s length from government and not directed by government.
A small number of respondents commented that government recognition of the arts and culture should be balanced with other government priorities.
Equality through arts and culture
Figure 3Do you agree with this theme and its key aims?
number of respondents (n) = 234
Almost nine out of every ten respondents (87%) agreed with the ‘Equality through arts and culture’ theme.
Comments in this area in general support the statement that arts and culture should be accessible to everyone. Some respondents suggest that working with children and young people through formal education and other initiatives would develop an interest in the arts from a young age and this interest would then lead to a change over time in the perception that the arts were elitist. In addition, a few respondents highlight the fact that incomes in the arts are low and therefore an individual who wants to take up employment needs to have monetary support from wider family and this can lead to exclusion of those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. As with previous questions, a number of respondents highlight that being more accessible should not be at the expense of excellence and professionalism and should not necessarily mean that arts should all be community based.
In contrast, a number of respondents suggest that the arts are already accessible and therefore this does not need to be included as a theme in the Strategy. In addition, a small number of respondents feel that the arts should not be used as a means to achieve equality.
A few respondents queried the use of the phrase ‘Citizenship is the test’, with some asking did this mean migrant populations were excluded.
How can arts and culture tackle poverty and social disadvantage and ensure everyone has equal access to arts? (n=194)
Responses to this question were divided into a number of areas. A number of respondents felt strongly that the arts and culture sector either could not tackle poverty and social disadvantage at all or could not do it alone. For the former, many said that ‘taking action’ was the role of government while the arts sectorcould highlight the issues. For the latter, many suggested that the arts sector could work with other organisations to tackle poverty and social disadvantage, such as, other government departments, local authorities, schools, and community groups.
Another group of responses suggested that the best way to take this forward was to take the arts into socially disadvantaged areas, with the key element being to involve the community or community groups. Engaging with the education sector was also suggested as a way to take forward this work by some respondents, with many suggesting that the arts sector needs to work closely with schools. Some respondents suggested the use of role models from disadvantaged areas. A few of these responses highlighted that investment and funding was required to take forward this type of work and that this should be long-term funding to give the opportunity for projects to develop.
The remaining group of respondents were of the opinion that tackling poverty and social disadvantage was something the arts sector already did on a daily basis. Again, many of these respondents highlighted work within communities and with schools. They also emphasised the need for funding to ensure this type of work could continue.
What barriers do you think exist that prevent access and participation in arts and culture? (n=204)
A number of barriers were cited in responses to this question, they included:
- Cost, not just event tickets, but also cost of food and transport, some went on to say the arts was seen as a luxury
- Perception of elitism, the arts is ‘not for me/us’, outside individuals’ comfort zones (social class, location)
- Location and transport – it was suggested that many arts and culture events are in Belfast and are not accessible to rural areas of Northern Ireland; there is a lack of public transport; venues are not accessible for older people or people with disabilities
- Lack of education/understanding about the arts, appreciation not taught in the education system, arts not valued
- Lack of awareness of what is available, poor advertising and marketing.
Some of the keys to overcoming these barriers suggested by respondents include:
- Subsidised tickets, free or low cost events, offer taster sessions
- Target children when they are young through the education system to remove the ‘not for me/us’ attitude
- More outreach activity, take events into communities using schools, shopping centres, community centres, libraries
- Provide more funding to arts organisations to allow them to target the groups who are not engaging and to develop partnerships with other organisations, e.g. local councils, schools, community groups
- Government should provide more leadership and be advocates for the arts
- Events need to be better advertised, with marketing and publicity tailored to encourage those who would not normally engage.
What barriers do you think exist that prevent equality within the arts and culture sector? (n=173)
The majority of responses to this question reiterated the barriers already highlighted. A few respondents mentioned inequalities in that established groups continue to receive funding while new and innovative groups do not. Another barrier highlighted by a few respondents was the religious divide in Northern Ireland and a reluctance among some to cross this divide to participate.
How can we best use facilities and infrastructure, including theatres and traditional arts venues, libraries, museums and creative learning centres, to facilitate maximum opportunity to enjoy arts and culture experiences? (n=175)
A number of respondents stated that the way to make best use of the facilities and infrastructure was to develop better relationships with schools and local community and voluntary groups. These groups should also be allowed to use the facilities at a subsidised rate. Longer opening hours should be considered to allow greater use by local groups and more varied programmes would encourage participation. Another suggestion provided by a number of respondents was that there is a need for better marketing, not just of events, but of the facilities available and how they can be used. Other respondents noted that the facilities need further funding to allow for longer opening hours and better marketing campaigns.
Creativity and skills
Figure 4Do you agree with this theme and its key aims?
number of respondents (n) = 197
Of those who responded on the Creativity and skills theme, 85% agreed with its inclusion in the strategy and its key aims.
Comments on this theme were quite varied in nature. Many respondents were supportive of the premise that the arts and culture make a significant contribution to the economy, particularly through tourism. A number of respondents reiterated the importance of education and learning key skills, including traditional arts skills, from a young age which could then be used with new technologies in a modern digital economy.
There were a number of respondents who felt that there is a need to appreciate the arts for the arts’ sake and not just as a means to improve the economy. In addition, a few respondents felt that there should not be an over-emphasis on digital literacy as it was only one contributor to a vibrant economy.
A few respondents felt that the wording of this theme was not clear, with one comment suggesting that the aims were more about education than creativity and skills.
What types of collaboration and partnering across local and regional government and the business sector would maximise the potential of these aims? (n=133)
Many respondents to the online survey suggested that collaboration could take the form of apprenticeships, scholarships and mentoring, while a few mentioned the development of training centres. A number of respondents said it would be important to get the business sector to identify current and future skills requirements, while some suggested that the business sector could be funded to provide training. It was suggested that the education sector, the health sector and the tourism sector should be key players from central and local government. An additional comment from a number of respondents was the need to include the community and voluntary sector in any collaboration.
What are the opportunities for arts and culture in the digital environment? (n=133)
Most of the responses to this question stated that the opportunities were endless, infinite, many. Some respondents highlighted specific sectors where the opportunities were the greatest, including film making, music industry, app development and online gaming. A number of respondents stated that it provided opportunities to increase accessibility, both to reach those who were not able to travel as well as to extend further afield to global audiences. Other respondents suggested that marketing of events was one of the opportunities for arts and culture in the digital environment.
A few respondents questioned how the digital environment was being defined and felt they did not know enough about this area to provide a meaningful response.
What are the challenges for arts and culture in the digital environment? (n=135)