Culture Syndicates CIC

   6th December 2017  In  Industry Trends And Critical Analysis Following the release of the Mendoza Report two weeks ago, it seemed evident that the  November 2017 Budget  would have some impact, whether good or bad, on the museums and heritage sector. We as a sector provide a vital support to the governmental coffers through our contributions to the United Kingdom’s tourism industry, and are increasingly seen as a vital part of the UK economy, proving our worth throughout the year. So let’s start at the ‘micro’ end of the scale; for those in the sector at the lower end of the pay scale, the November 2017 Budget presents a welcome rise in the Living Wage standards as of April 2018 that will affect many, particularly those in Front of House roles. Increasing to £7.83, it might not seem like a lot, but it will make a key difference to staff and is also likely to impact museum budgets, something that may be particularly felt by smaller museums. On a much larg...

   6th December 2017  In  Industry Trends And Critical Analysis The latest annual  Social Mobility in Britain report  paints a stark picture of Britain’s social mobility postcode lottery. The report, published in late November 2017, uncovers two trends that will be no shock to arts professionals: a “striking geographical divide” between London and its surrounding areas, and the rest of Britain many other parts of Britain being “left behind economically and hollowed out socially”   The Midlands performs particularly badly, with the East and West Midlands as the worst performing regions. More than a third of the local authority areas in the West Midlands and half of the local authority areas in the East Midlands are social mobility coldspots. This trend has shifted from inner city areas as the worst performing areas to remote and coastal areas, and former industrial areas. Lower rates of pay, fewer top jobs and having to travel nearly four times the dist...

   6th December 2017  In  Industry Trends And Critical Analysis You’ve heard of bonfire night, cheese rolling and Morris dancing. If you’re from Nottingham you may have even heard someone say ‘ayup m’duck!’ However, have you heard of intangible heritage? Well let me tell you, they are two the same! Intangible heritage can be defined as heritage that is embodied in people rather than in inanimate objects. It is a diverse spectrum of not limiting to but including oral traditions, language, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events and traditional craftsmanship. As such, it is heritage that is living, always changing, passed down from generations and something that we all value. Living heritage Robin Hood is a figure intertwined within the fabric of Nottingham and as a resident of Nottingham, I had to mention him. If you’re from around these parts you just cant escape the heroic outlaw of old. Yet, whilst his tangible existence is contested, his si...