ARTS
The Business of the Arts Assis Carreiro MBE
It’s not always about cash but sharing expertise, resources and passion for creating a richer more vibrant Suffolk for everyone. We are encouraged to look at how we can work with the arts in Suffolk to achieve both business and personal goals The arts and cultural industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories – massive growth with 400,000 jobs in museums, galleries and the performing arts. For every £1 of salary paid by the arts and culture industry, an additional £2.01 is generated in the wider economy through indirect and induced multiplier impacts according to ‘The Value of Arts and Culture to the People and Society’ from the Arts Council.
In Bury St Edmunds Karen Simpson, Director at the Theatre Royal believes the arts are a good way for businesses to engage with their clients and employees: “Many more people are passionate about the arts than we probably realise. Theatre can offer high profile special events for businesses as well as supporting the betterment of communities.”
The arts attract large and diverse audiences. Yet, funding remains a challenge. Suffolk is rich with arts organisations producing great product with little or no public subsidy. Partnerships are critical and an important piece of the funding pie. Businesses need to reach out to support the great cultural offer that is on their doorstep and that gives a uniqueness appeal to Suffolk.
The Theatre Royal is one of the UK’s only surviving Regency theatres. Beautifully refurbished with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it is a crown jewel. But, in recent years, it has had some turbulent times, including the loss of its Arts Council funding. Despite this, it has forged on and today, whilst living on a knife-edge, has found a new model of operation, thanks in great part to its many loyal supporters. Karen Simpson inherited a huge challenge and takes nothing for granted as she maintains the theatre’s annual £1.5 million turn over – a £1million of which is from box office: “What sets us apart, is the generosity of local businesses and people. I have never worked anywhere where the business fraternity keeps a theatre so alive. Without them we couldn’t open our doors.” 21 | SUFFOLK DIRECTOR AUTUMN 2015