MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

20 July 2021 - Press release

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

The Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed that the catastrophic funding cut will go ahead despite the many MU members and other creatives, industry organisations, higher education institutions andtrade unions who have raised serious and legitimate concerns.

Undermining our phenomenally successful creative economy

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl says:
"This news is frankly the last straw for our members, many of whom have survived without any Government support and barely any work for the past 18 months.
"Since we heard about these proposed cuts, there has been an enormous outpouring of fury and disappointment from our members and the wider music community.
"Musicians are highly skilled, resilient, creative and community minded. Their work generates billions for the UK economy, and they contribute in infinite ways to our cultural life, health and wellbeing.
"We must ensure that the talent pipeline doesn't dry up. Closing opportunities to learn music is short-sighted, and at the end of the day we'll all suffer." 

MU National Organiser for Education Chris Walters says:
"We will continue to campaign for fairer funding for arts and music courses at higher education, in particular for less privileged students who will be hit hardest by this.

"Sadly, we believe that the Government's approach will only undermine our phenomenally successful creative economy and make entry into the music industry more difficult for many."

 

The MU is asking all those who oppose the cuts to email their MP urgently.