40% of Brits imagine arts careers are ‘not viable’ for youths

Nearly half of all adults are advising children to avoid pursuing a career in the arts, according to fresh research.

The survey, which sampled 2,000 adults including parents, disclosed that 45% perceive the sector as ‘non-viable’ and worry about youngsters’ ability to secure employment.

Shockingly, prior to the study, an overwhelming 84% admitted they were unaware that a massive 3.5 million people work in the arts. Furthermore, 28% had never considered the vast array of roles available within the arts industry.

36% reported their children show an enthusiasm for art-based vocations, but just 33% voiced encouragement for their children’s creative ambitions, privately wishing they’d choose a more mainstream path.

Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, carried out the research alongside launching the inaugural Sky Arts Awards and expressed: “The opportunities available in the arts world are more considerable than you might think.”

He highlighted there are upwards of 650 positions within the sector ranging from camera work and box office operation to set construction, stage lighting, crew catering and venue upkeeping.

Sharing his perspective, he said: “Working in ‘the arts’ doesn’t necessarily mean you’re up on stage, on screen, or displaying paintings in a gallery. We think these roles deserve some recognition too.”

Adding more insight into public awareness, the findings showed that although 79% acknowledge countless unsung heroes labouring behind the scenes in theatre productions and the like, a significant 26% admitted they rarely spare a thought for those facilitating the spectacle.

A striking 27% of individuals admitted to once harboring dreams of an arts career, only for a significant 43% to be dissuaded towards other professional paths.

Phil Edgar-Jones emphasised, “We believe that the arts are crucial to our society, our economy and our culture. But they have been devalued in recent years.”

Furthermore, he highlighted the role of the Sky Arts Awards in drawing attention to British talent when he said, “By shining a light on all the incredible British talent both in front of and behind the scenes as part of the Sky Arts Awards, we hope to play our part in reminding people why this is such a vital industry.”