The unique nature of the live comedy sector must no longer be
ignored by Government to allow it to be properly considered for
funding alongside other creative industries.
The recommendation from the Culture, Media and Sport
Committee comes following an evidence session on
live comedy in April. It heard how differences in
infrastructure, workforce and audiences, compared with other art
forms, has shut off live comedy's access to funding bodies,
including Arts Council England.
In addition to calling for live comedy to be recognised as a
distinct art form, the Committee's letter to
DCMS Minister Sir also makes recommendations to
protect the workforce and suggests there is a strong case for the
biggest comedy venues, producers and promoters to commit to a
voluntary scheme similar to the grassroots music
levy.
With the Edinburgh Fringe underway, the Committee also highlights
the importance of comedy festivals in providing opportunities for
performers and local businesses. It however warns that the
unaffordable costs of the Fringe, including for audiences, is
restricting participation and reducing the diversity of acts.
The barriers to participation and attendance and the support that
governments can provide to events such as the Fringe will form
part of the major events
inquiry, which was launched by the Committee
last month.
Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame MP, said: “The
gathering of performers and audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe
showcases the tremendous impact live comedy can have on people's
lives and the wider economy. But despite proving its cultural and
economic importance across the country, a reluctance to see live
comedy as a distinct cultural craft has hampered its access to
the funding open to other performing arts.
It's time the Government took the first step to helping the live
comedy sector continue to deliver the huge benefits it provides
by recognising it as a specific art form and properly engaging
with the sector. There also needs to be more support for its
workforce and a real focus on making sure that participation in
and enjoyment of live comedy is something that is open to all.”
The live comedy evidence session was proposed by the Live Comedy
Association as part of the Committee's State of Play inquiry,
which invited pitches from across the culture, media and sporting
world in order to shine a light on previously unheard issues and
challenges.
Letter conclusions and recommendations
Recognition of live comedy
Given the economic and social contribution of comedy, and the
importance of live comedy as part of this, we support calls for a
formal recognition of live comedy as a distinct art form. In
practical terms, at a first step this should mean increased
engagement by DCMS with the sector and with Arts Council England
on how it considers and funds live comedy.
As part of its recognition of live comedy, the Government should
work with funding bodies to establish an independent, accurate
assessment of the size and distribution of the live comedy
sector.
Comedy across the UK
The barriers to participation in and attendance at events such as
the Fringe will be part of our scrutiny of our major events
inquiry, and we look forward to hearing from the Government on
the actions it is taking in this area.
Venues
We hope that the Government shares our view there is a strong
case for the biggest venues, producers and promoters to
voluntarily mirror the grassroots music levy across all forms of
stadium and arena entertainment, including comedy.
Freelancers
The need for a freelance champion is clear and urgent, and we
expect DCMS to be working at pace to define and recruit an
individual who can reflect the full scope of the creative
industries, including live comedy.
Standards
We welcome the Government's continued commitment to CIISA,
including in the Sector Plan and its response to our report into
British film and high-end TV, and will continue to
monitor the engagement of the creative industries with the work
of CIISA.
