In a joint statement made by One Dance UK, the Society for Dance Research and DANCE HE we would like to make it clear what our response is to this recent piece of news which will significantly affect the future landscape for education and engagement in the arts in Higher Education:

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“One Dance UK, Dance HE and the Society for Dance Research are extremely alarmed and concerned to learn that the Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed its plans to significantly reduce funding for arts and creative subjects, despite extensive opposition to the proposals. These funding cuts for so-called ‘non priority’ subjects will be catastrophic for dance and other arts courses at Higher Education, threatening the talent pipeline and the rich cultural offer in the UK, disadvantaging young people and denying them opportunities to fulfil their potential. 

We opposed these cuts in the strongest terms during the consultation process (our response can be viewed here) and will continue to oppose them. The cuts fly in the face of a wealth of evidence and research demonstrating the enormous growth and economic input of the creative industries in the UK. Given this growth and the unique, world-leading status of dance in the UK, as well as its significant positive contribution to the physical and mental wellbeing of the general population, it is completely baffling and illogical that performing and creative arts are not considered a strategic priority for the government. We will continue to advocate for the importance and value of dance at every level.”