JUSTIFYING OUR EXISTENCE
I have been wrestling with the fact that this profession - the cultural industries, seems to be the only industry in which we are constantly having to justify our existence. No other industry seems to be constantly fighting for survival in the same way … that’s not to say the NHS isn’t in crisis and fighting for funding, or public services, or scientific research or even sport … however I would argue that none of these examples need to justify their existence in the same way because there is already an agreement and consensus on their importance within society … but not the Cultural Industries.
Every singe time we apply for funding, or talk with friends, or attend meetings regarding policy or strategy with people who sit outside the industry, we are having to justify our existence.
And all of this justifying is unpaid, exhausting and ongoing … it’s the same fight and arguments I’ve been having since I first wanted to become an actor and join the industry at the age of 15 - and the questions haven’t changed that much - and only slightly change depending on who you’re talking to (friends/funders/councillors/corporate sponsors) …
What is it you want to do?
Why is it important for you to do it?
What benefit will it have for those taking part/the wider community?
How many people will see it?
Why is it important they they see it?
Why is it important for us to fund/support you?
How will you measure success?
Have you done something like this before?
If so, why are you doing it again - if not, why do you need to do it now?
How much will it cost?
How have you ensured value for money?
What support-in-kind/other support have you secured?
What's the point of what you do?
Now you could argue that these questions are asked for any new building work or service provision - the development of a new housing estate or school or hospital for example, and of course value for money is important, as is ensuring it is needed and reflective of society, but I would also argue that there is a general goodwill and understanding of the impact these buildings and services provide, vs the ongoing struggle to justify the importance and impact of the cultural industries. Many many times I have faced a complete ignorance or understanding of the impact on my work, and (at times) either a genuine hostility towards the business or a patronising 'well done you' tone towards all that I have achieved within my chosen career.
“We need to think of theatre as more than just some people getting together in a room to have a bit of fun and put on a play.”
I am so sick and tired of the cultural industries being seen as frivolous or a luxury - especially when all the evidence points to the contrary. With the current landscape of cuts to local services, the arts are (and always have been) the first to go … despite the overwhelming data showing our impact both qualitative and quantitative (for every £1 spent we add minimum of £4 to the economy - the night-time economy especially). Participatory arts companies are literally on the front line too - providing a lifeline for those who are often isolated or marginalised … building confidence, social and employability skills (not necessarily associated with the cultural industries) - and we are vital. Imagine if during the pandemic we took away everyone’s Netflix! In fact, the pandemic and the social isolation that was imposed on all of us, just proved how important theatre and social engagement is, but the industry is still on its knees. Audiences for theatre haven’t returned as quickly as expected, but demand for the participatory arts is high … it’s just not being funded (or again, dare I say, respected) in the same way as other frontline services.
Why? Is it because in the current landscape, our work is more politically charged than ever? We are responding directly to a need - to a society in crisis - providing an additional level of care beyond our theatrical remit.
Earlier this month I attended a ‘book club’ with Collective Encounters, looking at the role of care in participatory arts … it seems we’re all - as participatory theatre practitioners - having to provide additional levels of pastoral support to the communities we work with. Theatre is - as always - responding to, (and reflecting) a need. We can’t even begin to create with communities if those communities are in crisis. I know at SAVVY we regularly provide food, and clothing and ongoing pastoral support for our community, we signpost to other services and liaise with key workers and care homes … oh, and we’re also (as a theatre company) expected to create theatre productions and experiences that are value for money, high-quality, challenging and artistically innovative.
No wonder the industry is exhausted.
Books I'm reading this month:
Athol Fugard, His Plays, People & Politics
by Alan Shelley
Augusto Boal, Games for Actors & Non-Actors
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