Effects of COVID-19 on Variety in the Artistic Profession Sector

The UK's television production sector, a leading creative export, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the crisis exacerbating existing inequalities and uneven geographic distribution of opportunities in the creative industries. However, a recent policy briefing published by Creative PEC on 2nd December 2020 outlines potential solutions for a more inclusive recovery.

The briefing, which was the result of research in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Creative Diversity, covers a wide range of topics, including the impact on the talent pipeline, employer responsibility, working conditions and redundancies, programmes vs systemic change, freelancers, the impact of Black Lives Matter, funding and investment, and the impact of the pandemic on disabled creatives, carers, and older people. The panel discussion, held on 29 October, addressed four questions related to workforce diversity, future crises preparation, recovery, and government and industry support for creative diversity.

The briefing outlines key points discussed by the panel, providing implications for industry, government, and funding bodies. It sets out areas for possible policy action in Skills, Jobs and Education, and offers recommendations for transitioning to sustainable theatre production.

One of the main findings is the uneven distribution of opportunities in the creative industries before and during the pandemic, with about 30% of workers located in London, generating over 50% of the sector’s economic value. This geographical concentration limited opportunities for diverse talent across the UK, contributing to place-based social and economic inequalities. COVID-19 intensified challenges for underrepresented groups and freelancers, many of whom faced precarious employment and less access to support.

Several initiatives have been launched or expanded to address these challenges with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. For instance, the Creative Careers Programme aims to connect 100,000 young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds and priority growth regions, with creative employers, providing work placements and career guidance. The British Film Institute (BFI) is investing nearly £6 million in a UK-wide National Lottery Careers & Progression Programme to engage young people aged 11–18, focusing on broadening access to screen industry careers and improving diversity. Expanded mentorship, training, and grant programs, such as those by Creative Access and Arts Emergency, provide critical support focused on underrepresented creatives and freelancers impacted by COVID-19.

New modeling by Oxford Economics highlights the vast potential if investment increases in the creative industries by 20% above 2019 levels: 300,000 new jobs could be created, generating £132.1 billion in GVA by 2025. This growth could spread economic benefits more widely and create more inclusive job opportunities.

The policy brief also recommends redistributing resources and opportunities from London to other regions, sustained investment in inclusive career development, targeted support for freelancers and small enterprises, and cross-sector collaboration as ways to support an inclusive recovery.

In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and worsened workforce diversity challenges in the UK's creative industries, with geographic and demographic disparities. However, the crisis has also catalyzed new investment and initiatives that, if maintained and expanded with a focus on equitable access, can support an inclusive recovery. Government and industry can leverage these lessons by scaling targeted career programs, redistributing resources across regions, and supporting vulnerable workers to unlock the sector’s full potential sustainably.

The UK's television production sector, a leading creative export, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a more inclusive recovery strategy.
A recent policy briefing published by Creative PEC on 2nd December 2020 outlines potential solutions for an inclusive recovery in the creative industries, addressing topics such as talent pipelines, employer responsibility, and freelancer support.
The briefing highlights the uneven distribution of opportunities in the creative industries, with London holding about 30% of workers and generating over 50% of the sector’s economic value, limiting opportunities for diverse talent across the UK.
Initiatives like the Creative Careers Programme, British Film Institute investments, and expanded mentorship programs aim to connect underrepresented creatives with opportunities, with a focus on young people, disadvantaged backgrounds, and priority growth regions.
New modeling by Oxford Economics suggests that increased investment in the creative industries by 20% above 2019 levels could create 300,000 new jobs and generate £132.1 billion in GVA by 2025, spreading economic benefits more widely and creating more inclusive job opportunities.
The policy brief recommends redistributing resources and opportunities from London to other regions, sustained investment in inclusive career development, targeted support for freelancers and small enterprises, and cross-sector collaboration as ways to support an inclusive recovery.
The discovery of diverse talents and cultures within the creative industries is hindered due to the geographic concentration of opportunities in London, which also contributes to place-based social and economic inequalities.
The arts, education, finance, research, and internationalisation sectors all play a crucial role in fostering innovation and diversity-and-inclusion in the creative industries, driving economic growth and cultural exchange.
The crisis has catalyzed new investment and initiatives in the creative industries, but their impact will be significant only if they are maintained and expanded with a focus on equitable access, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive recovery.