UK government approves 50% funding cut for arts and design courses.
The Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed changes to how it will distribute funding to universities and colleges for 2021-22. OfS funding supplements course fees which pay for the bulk of higher education course costs.
In total the OfS will distribute £1.4 billion to universities and colleges, with funding used to support high-cost subjects, student access and success, increased support for students transitioning into higher education, and mental health.
This follows consultation and new terms and conditions received from the Secretary of State for Education, published today, which confirm that:
- The OfS may not vary the level of grants awarded universities and colleges based on their geographic location, meaning the removal of subsidies for universities and colleges operating in London
- High-cost subjects not related to medicine or healthcare, STEM, or those supporting specific labour market needs, will be subject to reductions in funding from next year
‘What it means for the arts sector is that the government is devaluing a critical industry. The decision is economical and short sighted, based on Treasury pressure on student loans. The creative industries will lose talent as courses will be reduced nationally, making courses a lot more competitive – so that hidden talent – people who are marginalised – will be overlooked.
Artists and the creative sector at large, contribute to society in so many different ways and, most importantly, are part of the cultural, mental and social well-being of the nation.
This decision is so short-sighted if you consider the Government’s purported commitment to the arts. Boris was the first Prime Minister in a long time to talk about our value when he became the PM. What is his position now? They need to find an economic solution to empower the future education choices of the next generation rather than continuing to eradicate arts throughout the education system, which has systematically happened from primary now to HE.”
– Paula Orrell, CVAN Director
