I Read This 80-Page Government Report So That You Don’t Have To

What You’ll Find in This Issue

1. Support ARTiculate For The Price of A Coffee

2. Double Shift

3. I Read Through This 80-Page Government Report So That You Don’t Have To

Support ARTiculate For The Price of A Coffee

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Double Shift

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been sharing Double Shift, a short conversational series featuring artists who have shared the reality of navigating a professional creative career. The series highlights what it can mean to work as an artist—recognising that Not All Artists Make Their Full Living from Art Alone.

This week I’m pausing the series to share something that is more timely, and still relevant. I’ll be sharing two more conversations in the coming weeks. You can read about, and listen to the previous Double Shift conversations by clicking on the links below:

I Read This 80-Page Government Report So That You Don’t Have To

Last Monday, 23rd June, the UK government released the Creative Industries Sector Plan, a strategy detailing plans for investment and growth within the creative sector. It’s an ambitious report, and in their words, the UK government outlines that they will “ensure the UK is recognised as the best place in the world to make and invest in film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising.”

One thing I will continue to highlight, is that the creative industries—or the arts—simply wouldn’t exist without artists/creators. Yet, there are circumstances where artists are more than often amongst the most overlooked and undervalued within the creative ecosystem, and left out of conversations that directly impact them. I was curious to see how artists are being prioritised in this new plan, so I read the report, and in case you don’t plan on reading it yourself any time soon, or ever—I’m sharing some takeaways from it that I think are important for artists to be aware of, and to hold the government to account, ensuring they deliver on what they are promising.

1. Acknowledgement of Artists Being Undervalued

For a long time, artists and creatives have been undervalued and overlooked. In its new report, the UK government finally recognises this, admitting that past policies didn’t give our sector the support it needed. Freelancers, artists, and creative businesses have often been left without proper investment, recognition, or the infrastructure to thrive. This acknowledgement is a big deal. It means there’s a real shift happening—a sign that the government is starting to understand the true value of the creative industries, both economically and culturally. More importantly, they’re ready to start doing something about it, as outlined through the various ambitious plans and monetary investment set out in the report.

2. A Freelance Champion Will Be Enlisted

The UK government is bringing in a Creative Freelance Champion this year. Artists will have a ‘high up’ representative to speak up for them and make sure their needs are taken seriously. This should lead to better working conditions—things like fairer contracts, quicker payments, and stronger health and safety rights. This hopefully means that freelancers won’t be left to struggle on their own and can focus more on their creative work, with less stress about getting paid or being treated fairly.

3. The Budget for Investment in the Creative Industries Will Be Increased

The UK government plans to nearly double investment in the Creative Industries from £17 billion to £31 billion by 2035. This means more funding, better access to training and finance, and greater support. Key sectors like film, music, performing and visual arts, video games, and advertising will benefit.

4. There Is A Commitment to Protecting Human-led Creativity

The UK government is committing to better protect artists by strengthening copyright laws and ensuring fair use of creative work by AI. Artists will have more control over how their work is used, with new income opportunities through a digital marketplace called Creative Content Exchange. There will be tougher international protections for intellectual property and support to help creatives adopt new technologies responsibly and securely.

5. Reaching Local and Global Audiences

There is a new £30 million fund to help emerging music artists break through, supporting touring, performances, mentoring, and expanding audiences internationally. Agreements with the EU will also make it easier for UK artists to tour Europe. The government will also back major art events like Frieze London, which brings in large international business from global galleries and buyers.

6. It’s Not Just About London When It Comes To Creative Investment

Right now, most of the industry’s money and opportunities are concentrated in London and the South East. But the government is looking to change that by backing creative hubs across the UK. £150 million will be invested in regional cities for creative business and workers. There’s also new funding for training and career development. Partnerships between regions will encourage the sharing of ideas and opportunities.

Does this give you hope as an artist/creator? Let me know in the comments below!

There is of course a lot more to the report than what I have shared in this newsletter. Click on the link below to access and read the full report (if you wish to do so). It’s actually not that much of a tedious read!

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