The Manifesto for Artists



Crowdsourced from artists' responses and their experiences of the past year, we are pleased to announce a collaborative statement of ideas and intent to steer visual artists beyond the Covid crisis.

The Manifesto for Artists has been crowdsourced by DACS, in dialogue with artists based across the UK, from diverse practices and at various stages of their career.  It sets out a roadmap for how DACS will lobby to secure these changes in the medium and long-term and deliver tangible results to support artists. 


Read the full manifesto

Why now? - The current climate for artists in the UK

Artists can play a critical role in rebuilding our communities post Covid-19, but first they need to survive the most severe challenge they have faced in a century.

DACS has been vocal about the impact of the past year on artists. The statistics, from a recent survey of our membership, speak for themselves:
  • 73% reported that their livelihoods had been affected by COVID-19.
  • 54% have seen the cancellation or postponement of exhibitions and projects.
  • 47% are not eligible for any government support.

How can you support the manifesto?

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