The biggest contributor to our GVA remains the finance sector. However, while the arts, entertainment and recreation sector does offer the island a source of income as well, it has seen a continual drop in GVA – a measure of economic performance – over the past five years.
Art For Guernsey Founder David Ummels does not think this is because of a lack of creativity in the island, but simply a lack of funding.
“I think it is a professional mistake not to invest in the arts. So far what has been advocated focuses on wellbeing and education, but this doesn’t resonate with the politicians. What they want to hear is does it make economic sense.”
He insists it does, and that we should be treating the creative industry as a business.
Pictured: Mr Ummels has an extensive background in finance as well as being a significant supporter of the arts. Art For Guernsey set up the Renoir Walk and put on the Renoir exhibition earlier this year.
He refers to UK statistics when urging our Deputies to see the creative industry as a way of developing other sectors of Guernsey’s economy.
“You may or may not be an art fan or a cultural fan, but you can’t deny the facts. The UK arts sector is a £1.7 billion business attracting £7 billion in travel spending, accommodation and restaurants.”
Mr Ummels continues to champion the arts with a variety of events and hopes Guernsey will follow other jurisdictions in investing more in this sector. He wants to see Guernsey set up an art gallery and headed up a group that narrowly lost out in its bid to convert the Visitor Information Centre for this purpose.
Pictured top: Mr Ummels wants the arts to be seen as an economic enabler.