People & Skills in Arts & Culture – Online Mini Conference & Discussion
- October 25, 2022
- 10AM-11.30AM
- Online via Microsoft Teams
A free online video conference and discussions around skills gaps, developing employment opportunities for young people and communities and productivity within the arts and culture sector. Plus, a chance to add your opinions to help mould a cultural strategy for Somerset.
Introduction – The Skills Challenge
There has been significant growth in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) and employment in the creative and cultural industries in recent years which has far outstripped rates in the UK economy as a whole. Identifying and addressing skills needs in order to sustain this growth is a key priority.
Evidence suggests that rapid advancements in digital technologies are breaking down barriers between creative and cultural businesses and consumers. A digitally-literate workforce is, therefore, needed to capitalise on the opportunities this presents, but there are obstacles to achieving this.
We also understand that practitioners and businesses who teach and provide workshops also need new skills to satisfy new markets and opportunities, such as safeguarding, art therapy, mental health and wellbeing, leadership or funding applications and many more.
Roles within the creative and cultural sector are increasingly multi-faceted. Employers and practitioners perceive that the diversification of roles and need for a broad skill set encompassing creative and generic business skills is likely to continue in the future to mitigate the impact of external challenges, such as reduced public funding, and ensure to the sustainability of individual businesses and the sector.
Demand for marketing and communication, digital and financial skills such as fundraising will increase. This underscores the importance of addressing the current gaps and shortages identified in these areas. However, while some employers recognise the importance of fundraising skills, they also acknowledge that the sustainability of businesses in the creative and cultural sector is dependent on developing more commercial business models that are less reliant on grant funding and fundraising.
This mini conference and discussion is designed to look at these issue and ask you as the participant about your thoughts, ideas, observations and future needs to help address these issues.
Who is it For
For any arts and culture group or practitioner, or community officers who wish to discuss and learn about the skills challenge in Somerset and share their knowledge of this issue.
When & Where
This event will be held on Tues 25th Oct 10.00am – 11.30am and be held on Microsoft Teams.
