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%).

Across the industry there is a need for improved procedural business skills that allow employers and practitioners to run business effectively.

Business and enterprise issues pertain specifically to how the sector can raise its ambitions, to professionalise creative processes but to maintain that unique element which enables innovation and success.

Regional hotspot: South East region

Literary arts key statistics:

• 68,900 people currently work in the literary arts industry.
• Literary arts contribute £2.3b to the UK economy.
• 52% of the sector is male.  
• 94% of the workforce is white.
• 32% of the workforce are freelance, and 62% self-employed.
• There are 17,805 businesses in the sector.
• Less than 93% 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.