From our co-CEO…

What is the role and impact of culture in society? How does the creative sector contribute to the economy? And should we always place a monetary value on the arts in order to validate them?

Government figures suggest that the UK creative industries contributed £126 billion to the economy in 2022, employing around 2.4 million people. This contribution to the nation’s finances is clear to see, but the true value of arts and culture goes far beyond this.

As our towns and city centres struggle to define themselves with the changing retail landscape, it is cultural events and arts venues that draw people to urban centres – bringing vital footfall to local businesses, and creating opportunities and experiences that enrich people’s lives and improve their health and wellbeing.

Imagine a world without film, music, theatre, art, literature, dance. A world devoid of creativity and culture would diminish each and every one of us. The arts are at the very heart of what makes us human – a fundamental means of communication and connection with others, that enlightens, provokes, reveals, inspires…

An independent review of Arts Council England (ACE), led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, is underway with a focus on ensuring access to arts and culture in every region of the country. At the same time, the government’s spending review and pressures on the public purse are likely to see continuing reductions in funding for the arts, outside of core projects and initiatives identified as nationally significant. What does this mean for regional organisations and grass routes venues that serve communities up and down the country? Organisations like Phoenix.

“Arts and culture must be for everyone, everywhere.” These are the words of Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, and it’s heartening to see they mirror Phoenix’s own mission to make inspiring film and art available to everyone.

As our loyal supporters know, Phoenix is Leicester’s centre for independent cinema, art and digital culture. A registered charity since the 1980s, we have served Leicester’s communities since the ‘60s – working with a host of partners (including the city’s two universities, cultural organisations, local creatives, and community groups) to provide the city with unique cultural and creative experiences, education activities, and skills and talent development opportunities. Phoenix is a hub for people to engage, learn and create.

We’ve faced numerous challenges across the decades – including our relocation to the city’s Cultural Quarter nearly 16 years ago, the longest COVID lockdowns in the country, and the council’s lengthy programme to reclad the building that houses our much-loved venue (we’re very relieved that this will come to an end this summer).

It’s within this context that we have seen reductions in our regular grant funding and escalating operational costs, exacerbated by the government’s autumn budget which massively increased staffing costs for Phoenix and organisations like us. How do we marry this economic landscape with the government’s own words about the importance of art and culture?

Our recent change to 5-day opening was a necessary step in addressing the financial challenges resulting from this rising tide of set-backs. It was a difficult decision, but a necessary one if we are to secure our future.

Now, imagine Leicester without Phoenix.

Without sustained support from our customers, our stakeholders, our communities, and local partners and businesses who benefit from us being here, that could become a reality that the city has to face. Don’t let it happen.

Phoenix is your independent cinema and arts centre in your city. Our future is in your hands.