Post EU referendum: Arts and creative industries have vital role in Brexit Britain

Creative Industries Federation chief executive John Kampfner has said that the UK’s arts and creative industries have a vital role to play following the EU referendum result, which saw 52% of voters choosing to leave the EU.

With 96% of the federation’s members having said they would vote to remain, Kampfner said: “As the UK creates a new identity and a new position on the world stage, our arts and creative industries – the fastest growing sector in the economy – will play an important role.

“It will be vital for all sides to work together to ensure that the interests of our sector on issues including access to funding and talent are safeguarded as the UK forges its new relationship with Europe. The importance of British culture in representing our country to the world will be greater than ever.”

The federation intends to hold a series of events in light of Brexit, which it hopes will help those in the arts and creative industries plan for a future out of the EU.

Deeply concerned

Meanwhile, a statement from Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said: “As the national fundraising charity for art, Art Fund is deeply concerned about the impact that leaving the EU will have on culture in the UK, and particularly on museums and galleries.

“At one level there is obviously now great financial uncertainty – the effect on European funding streams for the arts, for example – but quite as important is the potential effect on the spirit that drives a myriad of international partnerships in the arts.

“These are driven at heart by the principle of Britain as a collaborative component of, and participant in, a vibrant European culture. We must work hard to keep this spirit alive, regardless of politics.”

Tense times

Others in the arts have also been voicing concerns about the impact of the decision to leave. Samuel West, chair of the National Campaign for the Arts, said: “This is already a tense time for the arts in Britain, with many organisations across the country anticipating significant cuts from their local authorities this autumn.

“We call on the secretary of state for culture, media and sport to do everything in his power to ensure that there is no further damage to the sector as a result of yesterday’s vote.”

Announcing his resignation this morning, prime minister David Cameron has said he will stay on until the autumn when a successor from a shortlist of two will be appointed.

He has said he will leave it to his successor to begin the formal two-year process of leaving the EU by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

More on a-n.co.uk: