Fine arts graduates policy briefing

This policy briefing argues that public policy should act to lower the barriers faced by fine arts graduates without compromising the artistic integrity of their work.

This policy briefing argues that public policy should act to lower the barriers faced by fine arts graduates without compromising the artistic integrity of their work.

Key findings:

  • The research suggests fine arts graduates are lifelong learners, making use of formal and informal training throughout their working lives, regardless of their occupations

  • Over three-quarters of the fine arts graduates surveyed say they had a strong ‘willingness to change or try new things’

  • An awareness of business would give art students more self-confidence in seeking work outside traditional arts occupations and better prepare them for the labour market

This policy briefing accompanies Nesta's report The art of innovation which is an enquiry into how fine arts graduates contribute to innovation throughout their working lives.

The art of innovation surveyed over 500 fine arts graduates from the University of the Arts London since the 1950s. It showed for the first time the different ways in which fine arts graduates support and stimulate innovation.

This accompanying policy briefing argues that fine arts graduates are well adapted to the needs of the knowledge economy, but that there are barriers, including long-standing attitudes and biases, to the contributions they make to innovation. Public policy should act to lower these barriers without compromising the artistic integrity of artists' work.

Author:
Nesta