Why we collaborate: A collective voice for artists
This Autumn the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Visual Arts and Artists was reconstituted with cross-party support from MPs and Peers. The group provides a forum for parliamentarians to better understand the challenges faced by UK visual artists and the visual arts sector. Originally established in 2021 with secretariat from a-n, CVAN and DACS, the APPG aims to ensure that the visual arts ecosystem continues to fuel creativity, diversity and economic growth.
Read on as Julie Lomax, CEO of a-n The Artists Information Company; Paula Orrell, National Director of Contemporary Visual Arts Network England; and Christian Zimmermann, CEO of DACS, explain why our three organisations are working together to keep artists and the visual arts at the forefront of discussions in Westminster.
As the CEOs of a-n, CVAN, and DACS, we have the privilege of working with visual artists who shape society in ways that are often underappreciated. Artists and visual arts organisations aren’t just contributing to our culture - they drive economic growth, foster community identity, and promote mental wellbeing through their work and programmes. Their role is crucial, and it’s why our three organisations have come together to collectively advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
Each of our organisations plays a vital role in supporting the visual arts in the UK. a-n connects artists with the essential services, resources and opportunities that they need to thrive DACS safeguards the rights of visual creators, ensuring they can earn a living from their work through fair royalties and intellectual property protection. CVAN, meanwhile, unites the sector, amplifying the voice of artists and working to influence national policy. While our individual missions are important, it’s when we collaborate that we truly make an impact.
Supporting artists through the All-Party Parliamentary Group
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Visual Arts and Artists provides a space where parliamentarians, artists, and visual arts organisations can come together to discuss the challenges facing the sector and work towards practical solutions. The arts overall play a significant role in the UK’s economy, contributing £49 billion annually, yet many artists struggle with fair pay, insecure work, and the impacts of rapid technological changes such as AI.
These issues compound the broader challenges the UK’s creative sector faces, funding cuts in the arts. Many artists, particularly those at the early stages of their careers, experience financial instability and limited opportunities for growth. It’s clear that visual artists need more support, not just from arts organisations but also from policymakers who can help shape the infrastructure that underpins this sector.
Our key focus areas: fair pay and intellectual property rights
One of the key issues we’re addressing is fair pay for artists. Too often, visual artists are expected to work for exposure rather than fair compensation. This devalues their work and discourages diversity within the profession, as those without financial security struggle to make a sustainable living from their art. Ensuring artists receive far pay for their contributions, whether through public art commissions, exhibitions, or educational work, remains a critical part of our advocacy.
Another urgent concern is the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on intellectual property. As AI tools become increasingly capable of generating artworks and replicating the styles of individual artists, there are growing fears about how these technologies may be used without proper compensation or recognition for creators. We need a balanced approach to AI that doesn’t undermine the livelihoods of human artists. This requires government intervention and clear policies to protect artists’ rights in the digital age.
In response to these challenges, we developed the Visual Arts Manifesto, a set of key recommendations for the UK Government. The manifesto calls for reforms in funding to ensure that artists, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, can access the resources they need. It also stresses the importance of investing in cultural education, recognising that creativity and critical thinking are essential skills for the next generation. Without robust arts education, we risk stifling future talent and innovation in the UK.
A shared commitment to a thriving visual arts sector
We believe that visual artists are not just contributors to the creative industries but also key drivers of social and economic growth. Their work enhances local communities, builds cultural bridges, and promotes mental wellbeing. In light of this, the APPG is more important than ever, providing a vital forum where the voices of artists can be heard and their concerns addressed at the highest levels.
By bringing parliamentarians together with artists and visual arts organisations, we can develop policies that support artists throughout their careers. Whether we discuss the future of AI, funding challenges, or the importance of arts in education, it’s crucial that we work collectively to protect and enhance the visual arts sector. Together, a-n, CVAN and DACS are committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration between the government and the visual arts community, ensuring the UK retains its position as a world leader in the arts.
Read more
- How DACS campaigns for your rights
- Advocating in Parliament
