It's going to be a tough time, not just for the arts, but for the country as a whole; we are in a very weak position, financially, and are being squeezed from every side. While government struggles with a massive debt left by Labour's mismanagement, private buyers, collectors and attenders at arts events are seeing their personal budgets under pressure. So for arts organisations and those making art it's an interesting time; the colonisation of affordable empty shops shows a way forward, getting away from massively expensive buildings and infrastructure. 

It will be interesting to see how the current government's plans pan out - but I have to say, I don't think a shrinking of the state is always a bad thing. And I think the arts and creative industries are far more resilient than we give them credit for.

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Dan Thompson
Revolutionary Arts Group