AIR

Developed by employers and practitioners in the visual arts sector, the Visual Arts Blueprint, published by Creative & Cultural Skills in partnership with Arts Council England, puts in place an action plan to tackle the skills needs of the visual arts sector across its 37,480-strong workforce.

The Visual Arts Blueprint calls for an increased commitment to continuing professional development and training, specifically leadership and business skills. It also emphasises the need to ensure that the visual arts sector interacts well with the education system, ensuring that qualifications are fit-for-purpose and that students thoroughly understand what it means to work in the industry.

Research from the AIR membership survey in 2009 is specifically highlighted in as pertinent: "A survey of members of Artists' Interaction & Representation (AIR).. revealed that over 80% of those questioned thought that receiving peer advice on their own professional development plans was 'important' or 'very important'."

The Visual Arts Blueprint was developed through extensive consultation with those in the sector, ranging from individual artists, art development agencies, and public and commercial galleries from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The drafting of the document was overseen by an Advisory Panel made up of key representatives from the sector including AIR Adviser David Cotterrell, a-n Director Louise Wirz and NAN Coordinator Emilia Telese.

Both AIR and a-n are noted as potential partners in delivery of the blueprint's recommendations that encompass areas including recognising and supporting artists' networks and peer exchange opportunities, improving working conditions across the visual arts sector, ensuring that visual arts courses have strong, relevant links to the profession and access to training and awareness about the contexts for their art practice so those entering the sector are properly prepared. CCS is charged with ensuring that the contribution made by the visual arts to the UK economy is clearly articulated and widely stated, and ensure that Government recognises its impact.

AIR's response to the early consultation document can be read here

The CCS Visual Arts Blueprint can be downloaded here

Do you think these recommendations will help you and your practice? Contribute to the debates on www.a-n.co.uk/forums

First published: a-n.co.uk December 2009