Q&A
What Does NDotM want to do ?
New Deal of the Mind want to boost employment in Britain’s creative sector. We believe art and creativity are really important for the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of everyone.
Aren’t you doing what the government, arts institutions and charities are already doing?
While there is a lot of good work being done by existing government initiatives and charities, unlike NDotM, none are specifically designed to deal with the urgent crisis of unemployment and the current economic problems.
Why focus on the creative industries?
We believe this sector of the economy is in the best position to react to and benefit from the recession, while also creating national wealth. Politicians and policy makers from all sides recognise the huge contribution the creative industries make. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, their exports hit £16 billion in 2006, while the number they employ rose from 1.6 million in 1997 to two million in 2007.
What is a “creative industry”?
NDotM recognises the DCMS’s definition of the creative industries, i.e those industries that are based on individual creativity, skill and talent. They are also those that have the potential to create wealth and jobs through developing intellectual property.
The creative industries include:
- Advertising
- Architecture
- Art and antiques markets
- Crafts
- Design
- Designer Fashion
- Film and video
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Publishing
- Software
- Television and radio
Is it for school leavers and graduates?
Yes. Indeed those without a university degree are most at risk in the recession.
What happens if the recession is easing next year?
NDotM intends to continue its work to ensure that creative and entrepreneurial talent is supported and nurtured during the good times as well as the bad.
How will you measure success?
Quite simply, we will see people in jobs that would not have existed without NDotM.
How many people can you help ?
We are not setting targets. But within a year we would like to see several thousand new jobs — internships, self employed, freelancers, part and full time — created. The real impact will not come until mid 2010.
Will these all be short lived internships?
Initially many will be short term six-month, paid work placements.
Will students be means tested?
No.
Is NDotM a charity?
Yes. Our registration number is 1134482
Can I help?
Yes, please. If you’re an artist, entrepreneur or work in the creative industries and can help with work placements we’d love to hear from you. Or if you can offer space, practical help like mentoring and skills training. And, of course, financial donations will help us.
Does NDotM employ people?
Yes. There are two full-time staff and three part-time people working at New Deal of the Mind.
What support have you had so far ?
NDotM was extremely fortunate to benefit from an impressive meeting of political, artistic, designer and cultural minds at its launch at Number 11 Downing Street on March 24, 2009. Alongside politicians like Conservative Shadow Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and Lib Dem spokeswoman for youth and equality Lynne Featherstone were Royal College of Art Rector Professor Sir Christopher Frayling, BBC director-general Mark Thompson, chair of the University of the Arts Sir John Tusa, and controller of BBC Radio 3 and director of The BBC Proms Roger Wright, to name but a few of the participants. We continue to talk with those who attended our launch and have created a coalition of supporters who continue to provide us with guidance while we create schemes aimed at stimulating employment in the creative sectors. We also have a cross party quartet of politicians as patrons, some fantastic advisers and our Board of Trustees.
What are Future Jobs Fund Hubs?
Future Jobs Fund Hubs are larger arts and heritage institutions (Hubs) that host six month paid placements targeted at creative graduates and long-term unemployed young people (18-24 years).
What about smaller arts and heritage institutions?
Larger arts and heritage institutions (Hubs) would act as clearing houses or ‘motherships.’ They would take responsibility for the smaller arts and heritage institutions (Spokes), ensuring quality placement opportunities while also offering management support.
Where will they be?
The exact locations are yet to be determined, but they will be throughout the UK, in towns, cities and rural areas.
Will they be linked to or independent from the job centres and universities?
They will be linked to both, along with other organisations like museums, libraries, galleries and studios.
Who will pay for them and run them?
Placements would be paid for by the government’s Future Jobs Fund but we will draw on support from the private sector too.
