Performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Labour conference focus on the cost of living and working-class ambition, saying the creative industries must "sit at the heart of growth in every postcode".
Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming said precarious creative workers are often at the sharp end of rising bills for water, energy, housing and healthcare, and that Burnham was right to talk up working-class ambition and access.
Fleming: 'A child in Old Swan has as much right as an Old Etonian'
Fleming said a funding shift and a re-founding of the subsidy model were needed so working-class artists can enter the industry and thrive.
"Burnham is right to talk up working class ambition and access. Nowhere is this more important than the creative industries which must sit at the heart of the growth in every postcode mission. We need to see a shift in funding levels and re-founding of the subsidy model to ensure working class artists can enter our industry and thrive within it.
"Class barriers to the performing arts and entertainment industries are many, from elite and expensive education and training, the cost of auditions and casting platforms, to precarious short-term work, low pay and long hours. A child in Old Swan has as much right to access a creative career as an Old Etonian."
AI and personality rights
Burnham said he would put AI "centre stage" at the G20 next year. Fleming said the central question was how risks are managed and whether benefits go to workers rather than bosses.
"We strongly urge the Prime Minister and his government to introduce personality rights to ensure performers' work is not ripped off and provide protections for everyone over the use of their voice and likeness."
