Visual, performing and literary arts contribute 1.4% of GVA to the UK economy.  Nearly half of this falls within the performing arts.  Productivity levels – calculated as GVA per employee – are running at £28,200.  There are approximately 31,000 businesses in visual performing and literary arts across Great Britain.  These are distributed as follows; 29,200 in England, 1,100 in Scotland and 750 in Wales.  Their businesses employ approximately 90,600 people across Great Britain, the vast majority of which are located in England (81,600).  There are 5,900 people employed in Scotland and 3,000 in Wales.  There are 186,580 people working in the visual, performing and literary arts sub-sector (as their main paid occupation).The largest segment is performing arts, which accounts for nearly 85,000 people (or 45%).

For many organisations in the literary arts sub-sector, the main revenue stream is public funding.  Across the industry there is a need for improved procedural business skills that allow employers to run business effectively.  Business issues pertain to how the sector can raise its ambitions, to professionalise creative processes.

Regional hotspot: South East and South West regions

In Northern Ireland, there is a community based arts culture with a ‘bottom up’ approach, which means that international art culture has no easy route in.

Visual arts key statistics:

• 2,160 people currently work in the visual arts industry. 
• Visual arts contribute £2.1b to the UK economy.
• The sector is evenly split between male and female workers.
• 95% of the workforce is white.
• 21% of the workforce are freelance; 63% are self-employed.
• There are 4,470 businesses in the sector.
• 75% of businesses employ less than 5 people.

Sources: Skills Needs Assessment 2007 and Gap Analysis and Market Testing 2007

Click here for information on entry routes and progression in the sub-sector.