In Autumn, the OAUK staff team were able to get out on the road and meet with members at our regional meetings. Thank you to Bureau of Silly Ideas, Kaleider, Leicester City Council, & Stockton Borough Council for hosting our meetings and looking after us and all the members that attended, both in person and online.
London Meeting
In London we talked about the re-establishing of the far right on our streets and what impact this could have on our events and artists. We reflected that for some of our membership, this is a continuation of the same far right presence they’ve dealt with for decades.
Exeter Meeting
In Exeter, we talked about legacy, intergenerational collaborations, mentoring and how there isn’t dedicated funding for artists with many years of experience in the same way there might be funds for ‘emerging’ artists.
Leicester Meeting
In Leicester, members discussed how late bookings are coming in for artists, and our event organisers in the room shared how late their funding confirmations are being disclosed. Conversations about alternate funding models, philanthropic pathways, individual giving, and the added ethical diligence, capacity requirements, and relationship building this all requires. Thinking about how the Midlands group could continue working together beyond the meeting, there was enthusiasm for the creation of a Midlands hub for gathering seed funding.
Stockton Meeting
Finally, in Stockton, artists in the room shared the challenges to have meaningful conversations with programmers and event organisers. The possibility of a programmer’s version of the OAUK Digital Brochure was suggested, where programmers share how they might want to be contacted, when, and what types of work they are looking for.
Summary
Across all the meetings there’s a shared sense of the increase of pressures on the sector. Political sensitivities, increased social tension, the restrictions and logistics of what is delivered in public space, and financial challenges on local authorities, Arts Council England and event sponsors acutely felt.
Yet, despite these negatives, there was a sense that now, more than ever, in the face of these headwinds, free to access art & culture is vital. OAUK members shared highlights from their summer activities; attendances are up, and many members told us about audiences being moved by their work.
It may seem counterintuitive that in spaces where we spoke mostly of challenge and difficulty, there was always a feeling of togetherness and support. There was always a suggestion of a possible solution or an alternate approach. That old adage, a problem shared is a problem halved. Whilst these meetings may not provide concentrate resolutions, we believe that coming together and holding spaces of solidarity may help to ease some of the burden. Increasing a sense of solidarity.
Ultimately, as a membership organisation, our staff team are always led by our membership. We also recognise how valuable the membership can be to each other. Hosting these meetings and creating the space for peer learning to happen, networks to grow, and relationships to strengthen is a testament to the experience and breadth of our membership.
So, another thank you to all the members who came, both in person and online, and shared candidly their struggles and successes. These meetings strengthen our resolve to advocate on your behalf. We look forward to continuing these conversations with you at our conference and beyond.
