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Show Culture Some Love London Conference
March 12, 2016
Did George Osborne’s decision not to cut national funding for the culture sector really “solve all our problems”? This conference will look at the continuing problems caused by cuts to local/regional budgets – which has been reflected in cuts, closures and privatisation – as well as examining a number of ongoing issues, such as the equalities agenda. A number of ongoing campaigns will be covered – as well as looking at how we can use art as a weapon in our campaigning activities.
Booking is essential – via Eventbrite – here:
Draft Programme
(1) Opening Session: (11.00-13.00)
It’s been claimed that George Osborne’s recent budget has “solved all our problems” in the arts & culture sector. What’s the reality?”
Speakers:
• Sonia Boyce, (Professor of Fine Arts, Middlesex University) – invited
• Maria Eagle, (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport) – invited
• Dr. David Fleming, (President of the Museums Association) – confirmed
• Clara Paillard, (President of PCS Culture Sector) – confirmed.
Chair: Nicola Hawkins, (Chair, CLIC).
(2) Lunch Break: (13.00-14.00)
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
(3) Workshops (14.00-16.00)
(a) Campaigns
Speakers:
• Chris Jury, (WGGB/CLIC), “BBC: Love it or Lose it” campaign – confirmed
• Christina Paine, (UCU/CLIC), “Save the Cass” campaign – confirmed
• Candy Udwin, (PCS/CLIC), PCS National Gallery dispute – confirmed
• Equity speaker, English National Opera – invited
Chair: Tom Taylor, (Secretary, CLIC).
(b) Equalities
Speakers:
• Hamida Ali, (Equity, Equalities Officer)
• Dave O’Brien, (Goldsmiths University and lead academic on the “Panic” survey on equalities in the culture sector)
• Mike Jackson, (Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners)
Chair: Zita Holbourne, (PCS/Black Artists Rising Against Cuts – BARAC).
(c) Art & Protest: Art as a weapon
This session will look at how art & creativity can be used in political and campaigning activities and reflect how the Show Culture Some Love campaign can learn from those experiences.
Speakers:
• Samia Malik (artist)
• Bob & Roberta Smith (artist)
• “Art Not Oil” campaign speaker – name tbc
• Ellen Clifford, Disabled People Against Cuts campaign
Chair: Hayley Hare, (Artists Union England)
(d) Defend the arts: No to cuts, closures and privatisation!
This workshop will look at the growing crisis that’s developing as a result of cuts in budgets at local level and the impact this has had in terms of cuts to local arts programmes, closures of cultural venues and the increasing involvement of the private sector.
Speakers:
• Greg Childs, (Children’s Media Foundation)
• Jamie Pullman, (Musicians’ Union)
• Julie Ward, (MEP North West England)
• Rob Waters, (PCS, “No to backdoor privatisation at the V&A” campaign)
Chair: Jane Perry, (President, BECTU)
(3) Closing Session
This will receive feedback and proposals from the workshops and provide a summary of the day – including taking forward the Show Culture Some Love campaign.
Chair: Tony Lennon, (President, SERTUC/CLIC)
Following the conclusion of the conference, there will be a social event, (further details to follow).
A collection will be taken towards the costs of the conference and any surplus will be donated to the SERTUC Campaign Fund.