Digital Un-Cut Discussions

The UK digital arts community is still reeling from the recent ACE cuts to its thriving and world class sector. In a bid to move forwards, we are openly debating the way policy-makers and funders regard the digital, and asking why so many of its valued core features appear to have been over-looked of late. As part of this, a letter to ACE has been collectively drafted and features a petition with over five hundred signatures of those wanting a little clarification on whether the digital is seen primarily as an audience development tool, and not the driver of innovation and new practice that it has always been. The letter states:

“This letter, jointly drafted by a constituency of organisations, artists and practitioners who have been engaged in digital arts development in England, concerns digital culture and its importance to the wider UK arts ecology and economy. We the undersigned believe that clear national policies need to be developed to ensure that the UK can remain at the forefront of digital culture, globally, and that these must take account of the key role creative practices play in driving digital innovation.

Whilst we appreciate that digital technologies have created exciting opportunities to engage with audiences, and to disseminate and distribute arts programmes in new ways, it is critical that funders and policy-makers understand that this is not the extent of digital culture. If we are to make the most of the digital opportunity, it needs to be recognised at a national policy level that digital culture is about more than extending the reach of existing arts practices. It is about entirely new forms of production, expression, practice and critical reflection that digital technologies have made possible.

We are concerned about the place of art, creative practice, criticality and risk-taking in current and future funding policies.”

Of course I’ve signed it and I fully back the quest for answers. I got into the Digital arts field precisely because it takes risks and critiques (digital) cultural norms. It’s a fantastically prolific and powerful arena which – particularly in the UK – has been redefining creative practice and presentation for some years. The fact that some of the very pioneers who directly inspired and supported our now thriving digital economy have had their ACE funding cut by up to 100% (despite their ongoing innovative and experimental work) is frightening.

If you’d like to be involved in the on-going discussions, join the AceDigitalUnCut Google group now!