The below correspondence is posted here by kind permission from the Society of London Theatre
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is an organisation that works with and on behalf of their Members to champion theatre and the performing arts.
Theatre & Brexit: in parliament and the press today
Today the Theatre APPG, Classical Music, Music Education, Music, Dance, and Opera APPGs, supported by their secretariats, UK Theatre and SOLT, the Association of British Orchestras, the ISM, UK Music, and One Dance UK, jointly wrote to The Government and the DCMS Select Committee on the devastating consequences of, and possible solutions to, the lack of clarification on provisions of the Brexit deal for the performing arts across the UK. The letter was accompanied by a press release and action on UK Theatre Twitter and SOLT Twitter.
Once again, thank you to all the members who continue to supply us with information on how Brexit is impacting their businesses. To make it as easy as possible for you to let us know the impacts as they unfold, as from next week, we’ll provide you with a spreadsheet to fill in the details.
Scottish 2021-22 Budget
Today Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes MSP set out the budget. In terms of culture, it’s a budget of £176.7 million for culture and major events that will support ongoing delivery of A Culture Strategy for Scotland, focused on three main ambitions: strengthening culture, transforming through culture and empowering through culture. Some relevant headlines for the theatre sector:
- The Budget will invest in a diverse and resilient culture sector in Scotland, including: £63.2 million for our creative industries and the creative economy, including Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland; £77.7 million for the national collections, maintaining free access to the permanent collections.
- £22.9 million for the five National Performing Companies, ensuring Scotland’s unique culture reaches a wide audience, both digitally and through live performances once safe to resume.
- £75.9 million for Historic Environment Scotland, caring for our heritage and communities, creating local training and employment and supporting the maintenance of traditional craft skills.
Review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 – closing soon
We know some members are responding to this call for evidence, with their main concern being the removal of the Performing Arts Btec (where the T level equivalents are felt to be more limited in scope and some feel do not replicate / offer the routes that are so popular within the Performing Arts Btec). You can respond here by 31 January.
Scotland – Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee
Today the Committee heard evidence on the – Impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s cultural sector. Witnesses included: Federation of Scottish Theatre; Writers Guild of Great Britain; and BECTU. It was broadcast live and we will share the transcript when it becomes available.
Updated Media Briefing Notes
Our updated media briefing notes can now be found here. These contain an overview of the current situation, and sections on the importance of UK theatre, the impact of Covid on the theatre workforce and economy, venue safety, inclusivity and representation – as well as a link to collated theatre industry stats. Please read these and share within your organisations to help with any press interviews.
We are planning PR activity linked to the Theatre Artists Fund on 16 March – the anniversary of when theatres closed – and will share further information with you over the coming weeks.
Raising the curtain on 2021 – a spotlight on insurance
UK Theatre’s sponsor and broker partner Tysers offers insurance support, guidance and advice to UK Theatre’s members.
In this article they outline what has happened in the insurance market, why certain covers are now more difficult to purchase and more expensive, and advise UK Theatre members on how to obtain the best terms in the current hard market conditions, as the sector moves towards raising the curtain during 2021.
Should you have any concerns about the potential impact to any of your existing insurance policies or would just like to know more about the UK Theatre Insurance facility please contact Bev Hewes beverley.hewes@tysers.com M:+44(0)7860 455 468
UK Creativity heads to SXSW
The South by Southwest (SXSW) virtual event will run from March 16-20. The Department for International Trade (DIT) in partnership with UK Advertising Export Group (UK AEG) is commissioning programming to run in parallel with activity at SXSW. The Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board (CITIB) steering group will curate content as part of “UK House” that serves to showcase the very best that the UK has to offer in advertising, tech, creative, film, and gaming.
The UK House will be free to attend for creative thinkers, makers, and investors across the globe and offer a chance to hear from leading UK business leaders and companies.
The CITIB are now inviting submissions from all creative businesses wishing to take part in the event and represent the latest in British Innovation and cutting-edge technology. Submissions should include title, suggested speakers and a session description of 500 words max. Recordings will take place in February 2021. Submit your idea before January 29th by emailing Aisling Conlon, UKAEG Marketing Manager.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Coronavirus Recovery Guidance
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for SOLT Members
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for UK Theatre Members
- See It Safely Toolkit
- Working Safely During Coronavirus – Guidance
- Coronavirus Government Guidance Library
Wellbeing and mental health support for you and your staff