Performing arts: 35,000 jobs losses since pandemic

The number of filled roles in music, performing and visual arts fell from 311,000 to 276,000 between April 2022 and March 2023, according to government statistics.

The figure forms part of DCMS’s most recently published economic estimates, which tracks employment levels across the department’s remit.

The loss of 35,000 positions in music, performing and visual arts represents an 11.3% year-on-year decline. The number is down from 315,000 in 2019 – the last available government statistics before the Covid pandemic.

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Music, performing and visual arts is one of nine sub-sectors in DCMS's definition of the creative industries.

Overall, jobs across all nine sub-sectors increased by more than 4% in 2022/23, from 2.353m to 2.457m.

The increase was fuelled by large growth in IT, software and computer services roles, while music, performing and visual arts saw by far the biggest decrease in filled jobs across the sub-sectors. 

In comparison, job roles filled across the cultural sector (rather than the creative industries) fell by 31,000 in 2022/23, from 727,000 to 696,000.

DCMS’s definition of the cultural sector does not include music, performing and visual arts roles. Among the nine sub-sectors making up the cultural sector in government statistics, employment in the arts saw the biggest fall – with the number of job roles also dropping by 35,000.

'Alarming' figures

The job losses highlight a tumultuous 12 months for many music, performing and visual arts organisations and freelance creatives alike. 

Between April 2022 and March 2023, organisations were forced to focus on their post-pandemic recovery and began deal with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, while some also had to adjust to missing out on regular funding from Arts Council England in its latest investment round.

Claire Walker, Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre told Arts Professional “the findings are alarming and reflective of what is happening in the theatre sector”.

“A snap poll in April of our members reveals they anticipate a three-fold increase in freelance vacancies and over 70% increase in permanent vacancies over the coming year. These vacancy rates make it more difficult for them to make, produce and showcase world-class theatre.”

Paula Orrell, National Director, Contemporary Visual Arts Network England added: “Based on our research, the data unequivocally indicates that numerous challenges, including the rising cost of living, lack of professional growth opportunities, and limited public resources, make it increasingly difficult for artists and art professionals to maintain a sustainable career.”

“Furthermore, these obstacles disproportionately impact individuals from marginalised communities seeking employment in various sectors. This has profound implications for nurturing emerging talent and may impede the future innovative growth of the visual arts." 

Government action

Walker said to address growing staff shortages, the sector needs a range of cross government support.

She said these measures should include “designated funding and flexible approaches to apprenticeships and skills bootcamps, support for a creative curriculum, and a commitment to ensure young people have access to crucial cultural experiences, such as the theatre, before they leave school.”

According to the government website, DCMS uses its economic estimates “to provide an estimate of the contribution of DCMS sectors, and separately the digital sector, to the UK economy”.

A DCMS spokesperson said:  "We are committed to building a pipeline of talent in our creative industries and are on track to meet our goal, set out in the Creative Industries Sector Vision, to create one million extra jobs in the sector by 2030.

"We continue to invest in arts jobs through our uplift to Arts Council England funding and strong support for exciting new cultural venues like Aviva Studios in Manchester, backed by government investment, that is expected to create 1,500 jobs.

"We are also developing a new Cultural Education Plan for schools so more young people can pursue careers in these fantastic sectors."