Arts Group

Report from Chair of the Arts Group, Kit Friend:

The discussion around the Arts and Education to inform the Liberal Democrat’s Policies was productive, I called in particular for the securing of FE/Foundation funding, and a serious approach to dealing with the catastrophically low graduate premium for the Arts, and the Broke & Broken HE funding system. The calibre of other invitees was fantastic, with much experience brought to the table. Future discussion and progress with the party seems positive, and we should be able to look forward to at least one of the big 3 producing decent policy ahead of the general election for us – regrettably the incumbent ministers in the DCMS have been unable to make time to meet with a delegation from the Arts Group, but we hope after the expenses debacle is over this may be more likely. Other parties: you’re welcome to our advice!

Other attendees at the discussion:

Floella Benjamin – TV presenter
Eliza Bonham Carter – Curator, Royal Academy Schools
Dinah Caine – CEO, Skillset
Christina Coker – CEO, Youth Music
Paul Collard – National Chairman, Creative Partnerships
Kate Cross – Director, egg theatre
Laura Gander-Howe – Director Learning & Skills, Arts Council England
Shân Mclennan – Creative Director, Learning & Participation Southbank
Caroline Miller – Director, Dance UK
David Blagbrough, Inspire!

Arts Group Chair, Kit Friend, attended the Mayor’s “State of London” Discussion to query the leadership of our capital on what they planned to do to prevent the perpetuation of exploitation of underpaid creative graduates to fuel the cultural heritage of the city. There weren’t any great answers, other than upcoming work on internships detailed by Munira Mirza, Director of Arts and Culture Policy, Mayor’s Office, and the discussion got diverted onto apprenticeships and sports by Kate Hoey MP – but the topic’s out there, and we look forward to the internships roundtable discussion later this month due to be chaired by Munira.

Podcasts from the day should be available soon from www.lbc.co.uk

Kit Friend, Chair of the Arts Group, was elected as one of the Student Directors on the board of NUS Services Ltd (NUSSL) during their AGM this week.

‘NUS Services is owned by Students’ Unions and the National Union of Students. Our mission statement is to; ‘Create, develop and sustain competitive advantages for member Students’ Unions –reducing costs and maximising commercial revenues’ ‘ (nussl.co.uk).

Kit ran on the slogan “Get a Friend in a high place!” with the following areas of interest emphasised:

Relevant services for FE and non-traditional students.
• Support the changing needs of evolving unions.
• Making eco and ethical affordable!
• Encouraging collaboration between unions.
• A genuinely useful NUS Extra!

Founding chair of the Arts Group – a voice for small and specialist institutions and FE | Fighting the exploitation of work placements and internships | Supporting the campaign for fairer funding | Proven track record of leadership | Creative Director of the charity “With Feeling”

As part of the NUSSL board , Kit hopes to encourage a diversification of income to provide a better range of services and opportunities for a broader spectrum of students. In particular those who make up many of the Arts Group membership (small, specialist, FE etc.) need to be better served by our National Union’s commercial wing.

For more information about NUSSL visit www.nussl.co.uk

Carly Aslett of SUARTS delivers the summation of our motion “NUS Arts Representation and support for small and specialist students’ unions”

The Arts Group landed with a bang at NUS Annual conference as both our motions sailed through. You can look at pictures of the conference and find out about all the resolves by clicking here

Amongst other things our motions passing included mandates for the NUS around:

- Formal recognition of the Arts Group
- Responsibility for the Arts, and Small and Specialist Institutions to be allocated to members of the National Executive Committee (NEC)
- Support to work on our campaigns on Hidden Course Costs and Foundation Diplomas

The Arts Group Official Launch Party was well attended, with Aaron Porter (re-elected VPHE) delivering a stirring address, and liquid refreshment courtesy of the Art, Design, Media Subject Centre. We were please to see so many new potential members attend, and look forward to seeing more fresh faces at the next meeting.

Thanks to all for the hard work, and especially our speakers at Conference: Danny McNeice from Loughborough, Chris Griffin from the Courtauld Institute, and Carly Aslett from Arts London.

More updates on what we’re doing with our new support soon!

Kit Friend, Chair of the Arts Group, will be attending the New Deal of the Mind discussion at 11 Downing Street on 24th March to discuss how the creative industries plan to innovate their way out of the recession.