Creative & Cultural Skills
24 March 2009

‘The Visual Arts Blueprint; a workforce action plan for visual arts in the UK’, will address skills gaps and training needs. The consultation is seeking the views of those with a keen interest in visual arts and the people that work in the industry.

We would like to hear from a range of people including artists, curators, gallery owners, commercial gallery employees and managers, public and community arts, gallery educators and artist-run studios. Anyone who works within this exciting sector can contribute.

Lucy Newman Cleeve, gallery director, Man & Eve and trustee of Creative & Cultural Skills said: "The visual arts sector in the UK is vibrant and dynamic, and includes many of the world's leading artists, galleries, museums, education institutions and art fairs. To ensure this immense creativity continues to thrive, we need to invest in skills and talent. Underpinned by extensive sector research and through consultation with people who work in the visual arts, the Blueprint will ensure that this world-class industry continues to thrive, even in economically turbulent times."

Vivienne Bennett, director of visual arts strategy at Arts Council England said: "Arts Council England's current focus is on strengthening the visual arts sector over the long-term and the Blueprint will provide a key opportunity for supporting professional development and training opportunities for artists, freelancers and arts organisations. It creates a basis for more accessible information about visual arts careers, better working conditions, improved peer-to-peer learning and more effective sharing of resources."

Jane Sillis, director, Engage said: “Engage, the National Association for Gallery Education, is delighted to be involved in the drafting of the Blueprint and with the consultation process. Engage is keen to champion diversity within the visual arts workforce and training for those working within the visual arts at all levels from early career to experienced practioners.”

Consultation meetings are currently being held throughout the UK. To attend one of the following, or to host a consultation meeting yourself, please contact Mark Greco at mark.greco@ccskills.org.uk or call 0207 015 1823.

The consultation closes 10 April 2009.

Have your say on how our plan for the visual arts sector should develop, and influence the skills needed to ensure the UK’s creative industries continue to lead the world. 

Download the consultation

Take the survey