Sir Nicholas Serota, ex-director of the Tate, has announced a new Arts Council funding initiative for individuals in the creative industry looking to work internationally.
Serota, who is chair of Arts Council England, announced the fund at the Creative Industries Federation’s international conference this month. The Creative Practitioners’ Fund is in aid of promoting relationships between design communities in different countries after the UK leaves the European Union.
“We’re leaving the EU but not Europe,”
Serota said.
“We should talk about the value of international work and ensure that such exchange continues and flourishes.”
He continued:
“The ease of movement is fundamental to creative exchange. It is vital in retaining the edge we have in a highly competitive world market. Strong local sensibilities and the willingness to absorb other cultures is where the richness comes from.”
The value of the fund is yet to be revealed, but Serota confirmed that it will be open to “practitioners in the wider creative industries” who wish to work abroad. It will invest in individuals’ work, and offer financial support for research and development. Further details of the fund will be announced on the Arts Council’s website later this year.
Serota also hopes that funds such as this will sit alongside existing Arts Council initiatives such as Elevate, to provide financial opportunities to those from less “fortunate” backgrounds, and will help to “change the composition” of senior level boards and the creative industries.
Serota’s speech was part of a day of talks hosted by the Creative Industries Federation. The focus on science and technology over creativity was debated, with some arguing that too much impetus was placed on maths and science skills, and not enough was being done to engage children in the arts from an early age.
www.creativeindustriesfederation.com
