Size matters in visual arts

New ways are needed to measure the types of value being delivered by small visual arts organisations, according to a new report looking at the role and value of the small-scale visual arts sector within the wider arts ecology. Written by consultant Sarah Thelwall for Common Practice, the advocacy group working for the recognition of the small-scale contemporary visual arts sector in London, ‘Size Matters’ says that whilst arts professionals understand the nature of the value created by the small-scale visual arts, the audience and income development measures used by government and funders serve to de-emphasise their potential. It reveals how small organisations indirectly sustain the programmes of larger organisations through their commissioning activities, and, contrary to previous assumptions, when this is taken into account, grant funding levels at small organisations compare very favourably to large visual art institutions. Furthermore, larger organisations with buildings, archives and collections can harness substantial income-generating potential through space hire and sales from shops and cafes – not a route available to smaller organisations, which may be unfairly judged as being too reliant on public subsidy. The report concludes that investment by funders in smaller organisations could be used to “develop their second order activities, by taking the assets accrued as a result of core creative activities and turning them into products and services that have commercial value”. It suggests that this type of strategic investment would “not only level the playing field; it would also provide an inexpensive route for exploring the opportunities expected to arise over the next decade as the digital and technology sectors enable the growth of markets for experience-based products and services”.