Editorial
Mayor Johnson has stated the obvious, people must pay for entry into the capitals museums and art galleries because "money is too tight to mention". Put in simple terms the amount of money City Hall is expected to generate in the forthcoming 12 months will be substantially less than the amount needed to upgrade the tube networks, to fund Crossrail, to provide for various projects in the inner cities to name but a few.
There will be no free tickets, nothing anymore in London will be "free", we will have to start getting used to the idea, let’s get it out of our head that we cannot simply visit the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery or the Tate Modern and not pay anything. In Greece visits to the new Parthenon Museum which cost the Greek tax payer around $200 million will cost 1 Euro, which over time will pay for the cost and the maintenance of the building and its artefacts.
Why is the London tax payer expected to pay for the British Museum? There should be a reasonable entry fee, and tourists from abroad should be charged. Potentially like in other cities a pass for Londoners should be given to enter museums and galleries at no charge on specific days.
The funding of the arts will become even more significant as the recession is expected to hit harder over the next year, with reports indicating that the impact the recession is having on funding will become acute.
According to Arts & Business, rising visitor numbers are being accompanied by falls in business investment, individual giving and funding from trusts and foundations. Business investment has declined by 7% in the last year, with 42% saying their investment in the arts has decreased in the last three months.
There are concerns that such funding might not pick up again until 2011 – or even later - which would have serious implications for the sector in the long term – and the economy as a whole. Tourism is worth £16bn to London's economy, the majority of visitors saying arts and culture are why they come here. Furthermore, it is widely recognised that the subsidised arts sector helps stimulate the commercial creative industries, which bring 500,000 jobs to London and adds an estimated £20 billion in value.
Mayor Johnson in an address on the arts said:
'We have to rise to the challenge brought about by the downturn. Arts and culture are not a luxury; they are part of this city's DNA, its USP. It is why people want to live and work here and s seven out of ten tourists say it is a reason for their visit. At a time of recession it is more important than ever to invest in the arts. We need to support new talent and those creative individuals whose innovation will ensure London remains dynamic and successful."
The Mayor has again reaffirmed the role the Greater London Authority group must play. As well as advocating for the arts, it will continue to support a range of cultural and creative projects in the capital, from the programme of festivals throughout the year to the Cultural Olympiad. Major projects include £5m for the BFI's proposed film centre and support for the Tate Modern extension. Events like the Story of London and TfL's Art on the Underground offer different ways to promote cultural organisations and bring new work to the public. The GLA is also working to make activities more accessible, including initiatives like the Londoner's Culture Card. Last week an end to admission charges was announced for schools at the Museum of London.
Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of The Old Vic says: 'I believe that far from being a luxury in our lives, the arts and culture are a necessity. The creative industries lead the UK economy and are the envy of the world. Having lived here for seven years I genuinely believe that the UK's pre-eminence in arts and culture constitutes one of the nation's most powerful natural resources. But many arts institutions are suffering, and without political will and both corporate and public support some will struggle to survive.
'The economists may be seeing the first green shoots of recovery, but it is clear that the impact of the downturn will be felt for years to come - certainly in terms of sponsorship budgets and corporate philanthropy. If we don’t act now, we risk allowing our rich cultural life to be diminished, available only to the minority who can afford high West End prices or rarefied arts events. Its time for us all to step up and ensure that our vibrant and diverse cultural life is protected.'
Moreover in times as austere as these London must be getting value from its prize assets, charging non-Londoners to see our gems is the key to the problem, with an estimated 26.6 million people visiting London and spending at least one night, and 50 million people visiting London attractions each year its a no brainer to start charging tourists. Come on Boris start taxing the "yanks" more!
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