Visual Arts: covers art forms including painting, sculpture, photography and new media
- 32,160 people currently work in the visual arts industry
- Visual arts contribute £2.1bn to the UK economy
- 95% of the workforce is white
- 21% of the workforce are freelance, and 63% self-employed
- There are 4,470 businesses in the sector
- Less than 75% employ less than five people.
The markets for artists in the Visual Arts Industry are brokered within internal and external spaces through galleries and public art curators. Due to government policy and social regeneration, a widening of the perception of public art has occurred. It is increasingly seen as a quality marker for the built environment, which also means that it does not fit comfortably within the traditional boundaries of the creative sector.
The visual arts sector does not lack individuals with drive, adaptability and creative talent. Artists often survive on having a portfolio career supporting their practice through such means as teaching or community work. However, management roles in organisations can be difficult to fill. Management and leadership skills are often considered lacking in applicants to many jobs, as are IT and digital skills. There is a concern in public institutions and larger organisations within the sector that a tendency to recruit management from outside the sector is increasing. In itself, this is not a problem, but it impacts on expertise and individuality of the sector. The lack of management and IT skills also affects the self-employed, freelance practitioners and sole traders.
The pathways leading to careers in the Visual Arts are difficult to define and are either non-existent or overly complicated. There is an oversupply of courses, training providers and learners studying for a qualification, competing for very few jobs within the sector. The sector is poorly paid and unpaid volunteering is common. This has led to a highly qualified but low skilled (from a business perspective) workforce.
The skills gaps
Management and leadership skills
Marketing skills (awareness of new markets and the creation of 'cultural products').
Entrepreneurial skills and fundraising skills (taking 'cultural products' to new markets)
Digital/IT skills and Professional skills (pricing, selling, negotiation, networking)
Freelancing skills (professional skills & contract, budget, use of accounting, co-operation skills) Fundraising skills (awareness and some specialisation)
Education skills (entry level, facilitation and general practise)
Project management/Leadership (consensus approach to formation and management of project teams comprised of freelancers and part / full time staff)
Supporting Visual Arts
Our research underpins everything we do. We are beginning the initial consultation phase with the Visual Arts Sector. For more information please contact: info@ccskills.org.uk
For further information on this industry visit:
VAGA
AN
SLAD
Engage
NALGAO
DACS