RNCM statement regarding BBC cuts

The RNCM considers the recently announced cuts to funding at the BBC and Arts Council England to be detrimental to a vital element of UK cultural life. Implicit within the Conservatoires UK statement, which the RNCM led and published on 17 March (below), is the College’s support for all the musicians involved in the proposed reductions in salaried positions at the BBC. This includes the many staff, alumni and colleagues of the RNCM who work with the BBC Philharmonic and other orchestras and ensembles across the UK. The RNCM values extremely highly its long-standing professional partnership with the BBC Philharmonic and would like to emphasise that statements that conflate the proposed cuts in salaried positions with education and training initiatives involving the RNCM are wholly unfounded and untrue.

Statement from CUK published 17 March 2023

Following the numerous recent funding cuts the membership has felt compelled to release the following statement on behalf of the performing arts sector.

Representing 11 of the UK’s leading training institutions in the performing arts, Conservatoires UK is extremely concerned by the multiple and cumulative industry cuts which risk damaging the rich cultural landscape that is essential to our society and shared identity.

Together, our global reputation ensures Britain remains a primary choice for talented young people from within the UK and from overseas. A key factor in this is the unparalleled education and professional experiences we provide, and the cultural and vocational opportunities that encourage our alumni to build sustainable and meaningful careers here.

Recent funding announcements from organisations such as Arts Council England and the BBC strike at the very heart of what we do best. Not only are these decisions detrimental to the aspirations of our future young performers, but they cause irrevocable damage to the creative industries and the multi-billion-pound contribution this sector brings to our nation’s economic growth.

Our treasured orchestras, ensembles, theatres, opera houses and dance companies are amongst the best in the world, full of creative and inspirational people who connect and collaborate as a true force for good. Their value is undeniable, and their impact beyond measure.

To continue this path will bring far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. At Conservatoires UK, we share a responsibility to protect our industries and safeguard their future. Our doors are open, and we encourage a wider conversation.

Conservatoires UK on behalf of

Guildhall School of Music and Drama
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Leeds Conservatoire
Royal Academy of Music
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Royal College of Music
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

5 April 2023