ERA 21

Harnessing the influencing power and networks of the sector’s lead membership bodies and unions

Context

The lead agencies and unions of the performing and visual arts sector and the museums and galleries community represent a hugely powerful force in the UK’s arts and cultural ecology. Collectively, they represent the interests and concerns of many thousands of individuals and organisations across our nation.

ERA21 offers MMM an opportunity to collaborate in the design and delivery of a unique, ‘bottom-up’ policy influencing initiative and co-produce a sector-wide response to the increasingly turbulent operating environment. Connecting to the group’s annual programme of conferences and seminars will ensure that MMM stays tuned to front line realities and the opportunity to share learning will ensure that the Deft programme is practically relevant to those on the ground.

“The landscape our members operate in is being transformed by demographic, economic, technological and social factors outside their immediate control. For their music making to thrive, both an understanding of these trends and the capacity to respond to them is required. MMM’s sector led, open source ethos, its work to date and its ambitious and courageous plans to develop and introduce new practical and conceptual tools which will help our members make informed strategic choices in the face of these changes is warmly welcomed by the ABO and we look forward to collaborating closely with the programme” - Mark Pemberton, Director, Association of British Orchestras

Activities

MMM is collaborating with the Independent Theatre Council, the Association of British Orchestras, Dance UK, the Museums Association, The Visual Arts and Galleries Association, the Musicians Union, Equity, BECTU, The Theatrical Management Association, the National Campaign for the Arts, Opera and Music Theatre Forum and others in a year long initiative involving the participation of all their members.

The collaboration, the first of its kind in the UK, will gather evidence from the group’s 100,000 strong membership base on factors affecting the long term resilience and sustainability of those individuals and organisations working in the sector. A series of responses and joint actions by the group to current concerns and uncertainties will aim to enable better support for creative practice in all its diversity.