The Stage

Arts is at economy’s heart

Published Tuesday 8 December 2009 at 10:00

Lalayn Baluch refers to possible arts cuts by politicians following next year’s general election (“Arts expects cuts from whoever wins election”, November 26, front page).

First, the politicians have to decide between what is public expenditure and what is investment. Statistics have proved over the past decades that government investment in the arts produces vast income in excess of the amount of investment. One should not have to repeatedly explain about the income the Treasury derives from VAT on ticket sales, income from our exporting our drama, music, television and radio achievements, the ancillary benefits etc.

What is even more important is to assess the time-lag between investment and returns. The essential investment in, say, finding a cure for cancer might well take years.

However, investment in our arts, cultural and entertainment world can provide healthy profits almost immediately. In December alone, A Little Night Music, Brief Encounter and Fascinating Aida will open in New York, following The 39 Steps, Billy Elliot, God of Carnage, Hamlet, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins and Phantom of the Opera which are all earning this country billions of dollars.

Politicians’ cuts in arts investment would be fatal to our economy.

Anthony Field

Anthony Field Associates Ltd

St Martins Lane

London, WC2