DEPARTMENT FOR
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (006/08) issued by The
Government News Network on 22 January 2008
On 1 February, the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be launching the
first ever national survey of amateur arts groups in England.
Groups of voluntary and amateur participants from all artistic
walks of life - from music, dance and crafts, to theatre, visual
arts and literature - are being encouraged to participate by going
to http://www.artsurvey.org.uk
and completing a short online questionnaire before 29th February.
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, said:
"The arts are a really important part of so many
people's lives. Taking part in local voluntary arts groups is
rewarding, fascinating and fun. This survey is the first step to
connect with those involved. Over 70% of people in England take
part in artistic activities in all their many and varied forms -
but for too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised
as an important part of our thriving arts scene. This survey will
try to map voluntary and amateur arts groups and look at how they
are supported and how more people could be encouraged to get involved."
The results will be published in the summer.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. DCMS has commissioned consultants TBR to run this research.
The survey can be found at http://www.artsurvey.org.uk.
2. The survey will be open from 1-29 February, 2008.
3. Results from the survey are expected to be published in summer 2008.
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6020
http://www.culture.gov.uk
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
http://www.culture.gov.uk