Leading figures from the creative industries back Labour’s plan to provide access to the arts for all

Leading figures from across the creative sector responding to Labour’s Sector Plan for the Creative Industries – a package of measures to drive investment, increase opportunities and unleash Britain’s creative potential:

Henny Finch, Executive Director, Donmar Warehouse, said:

“It’s great to see Labour placing support of arts and cultural organisations - like the Donmar - at the heart of a robust plan for growing the creative industries.  

“It is also welcome to see their holistic thinking, that recognises how arts education in schools, skills training in colleges and the workplace, and support for freelancers all provide crucial underpinning for us as we look to make an ever-greater contribution to the country’s economy and creative vitality.” 

 Francesca Hegyi OBE, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival, said:

“I welcome the focus on access to the arts, skills and businesses across the UK within Labour’s plan for the creative industries.   

“The specific commitment on collaboration to attract funding from different sources into arts organisations is incredibly important. In the years ahead this is an area which will require a sustained partnership between the public and private sectors and investors, with an emphasis on enterprise and creativity.”   

Hannah Essex, Co-Chief Executive, Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said: 

“The Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre are delighted to see the Labour Party’s support for the creative industries. In particular, we welcome commitments to reform the apprenticeship levy, tackle EU visa challenges and, crucially, increase access to the arts for all.   

“Our members do a huge amount to increase access to theatre, but there is more to do. Curriculum reform and increasing engagement with theatre for all young people, regardless of background, is crucial not only to the education and wellbeing of pupils across the country, but it  is also essential to the development of the theatre audiences and workforce of the future.”   

David Conway, CEO, Pinewood Group, said:

“Pinewood would welcome a reform to the Apprenticeship Levy as proposed by Labour in its plan for the arts, culture and creative industries to support skills development, reach a wider talent pool and improve inclusion and opportunity across not just our industry but positively impact the UK economy as a whole.  

“Whilst we are able to provide on-the-job training directly at our Studios within the Facilities and maintenance areas of the business, the current restrictions and limitations make it difficult to successfully apply to the wider film and TV industry”.  

Jon Collins, CEO, LIVE, said:

“LIVE is delighted to see a package of positive actions set out in Labour’s plans for the creative industries.  

“Proposals relating to our teams and audiences will allow more people to enjoy more shows. While plans around touring will help us to develop the next generation of world class talent. 

Pete Johnson, Chief Executive, British Screen Forum, said:   

“Delighted to see Labour’s commitment to substantive reform of the Apprenticeship Levy in in its plan for the arts, culture and creative industries published today.” 

Anna Mallett, Vice President Production, EMEA, Netflix, said: 

“We welcome Labour’s commitment to developing a skills policy that addresses the creative industries’ needs, including through changes to the Apprenticeship Levy.  

“These reforms have the potential to further augment the sector’s economic and cultural impact and ensure the UK remains a global hub for high-end TV and film production long into the future.” 

Robin Townley, CEO, Association of British Theatre Technicians, said:

“The Association of British Theatre Technicians supports Labour’s Plan for the creative industries. In its role supporting technical and production practitioners who present live performance and supporting those who conceive, design and build new and refurbished live performance venues, the ABTT particularly welcomes the proposal for a ‘Growth and Skills Levy’ providing essential flexibility to underpin a greater range of training.  

“It also is very encouraged by the plans to support freelance careers which are fundamental to live performance ecology. The Association welcomes the undertaking to support creative SMEs and to prevent the loss of local cultural spaces through ‘Spaces to Create’ a national cultural infrastructure map.   

“The ABTT is also encouraged by measures to ensure there are pathways from grassroots art and culture to creative careers and applauds the undertaking to create an arts curriculum which is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative.” 

Caroline Rush, CEO, British Fashion Council, said:

“For 40 years, the British Fashion Council has championed creative entrepreneurs and businesses to grow from ideas into globally recognised brands. This is possible due to the UK’s fantastic creative ecosystem.  

“As we celebrate our NEWGEN scheme nurturing new talent, we welcome the Labour Party’s commitment to securing the creative talent pipeline through new skills programs and delivering a rich, broad curriculum in schools.   

“We also welcome Labour’s commitment to encouraging creative industry growth by developing new funding and investment models, which we hope will support UK fashion businesses to scale and compete in a global market.”   

Sam Collins, Acting CEO and Chief Commercial Officer, Ukie, said:

“Having a clear plan to develop digital and creative skills in schools, as well as giving businesses greater freedom to develop the talent they need is vital to the continued success of the UK games industry.   

“Today's sector plan from Labour rightly puts educational reform and improved access to investment at the heart of a long-term vision for the games and wider creatives industries.    

“Through a renewed partnership between business and Government, we can ensure that UK remains the best place to make, play, and sell games.”