Join in the campaign here.

ActionSpace’s Co-Director Sheryll Catto was on a panel of speakers to discuss the Contemporary Visual Arts Network campaign #ArtIsEssential which aims to make the visual arts visible and to discuss how in these uncertain times #ArtIsEssential.

#ArtIsEssential calls for those working in the visual arts sector to unite to influence policy and decision-makers to do the right thing by the visual arts sector. To demonstrate the far-reaching impact of the visual arts and the vital role in building back the health and wealth post-Brexit and during the COVID-19 recovery.

Join in with the campaign and take to social media to call for why you believe art is essential.

Click here to find out more information about how to get involved. 

The campaign started with a Zoom event with a panel of speakers stating why they believe art is essential. Watch the video recording of the full talk here. A full transcript is also available.

Panel of speakers included:

• Sandra Booth, Director of Policies and External Relations, CHEAD Council for Higher Education in Art and Design
  Matt Burrows MBE, Artist and Campaigner
• Helen Cammock, Artist and Turner Prize winner 2019, Co-Chair Visual Arts South West (VASW)
• Sheryll Catto, Co-Director, ActionSpace
• Woodrow Kernohan, Director, John Hansard Gallery, Co-Chair Visual Arts South West (VASW)
• Katie Lineker, Campaign and Communications Manager, CVAN
• Julie Lomax, CEO, a-n The Artists Information Company
• Sarah Munro, Director, BALTIC, Chair of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network, England (CVAN)
• Paula Orrell, Director, Contemporary Visual Arts Network, England (CVAN)
• Laura Sillars, Director, MIMA