Government announces 50 per cent cuts to Arts and Humanities subjects at Higher Education

Photo credit: University of Surrey

Subsidies for arts and humanities subjects at higher education are set to be slashed by the current Conservative government, it has been announced today.

Music, dance, and performing arts will all be cut, in line with an initial report published by WhatsOnStage at the start of May 2021. 

Many organisations and people passionate about the arts have been reacting to the news. The Musicians' Union had reacted in "horror" at the revealed plans, which will affect, according to the strategy's initial documents, "music, dance, drama and performing arts, art and design, media studies and archaeology". These subjects are not considered to help "the NHS and wider healthcare policy, high-cost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and/or specific labour market needs."

Subjects including medicine and engineering will all receive additional funding from the coming academic year because they are classed as "strategically important". 

The USU (the University and College Union) described the cuts as “one of the biggest attacks on the arts and humanities in living memory” and confirmed that the cuts also target “learndirect courses, which are aimed at upskilling adults in employment”. 

This is devastating news for aspiring performers and professionals who seek higher education courses as the route into their chosen career.

We are keen to hear from any of our Besties on how this news has or will impact on you in the upcoming months.