Status Quo

Statement on the "Status Quo?" report, from David Ferguson, Chair of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters;

"The DCMS Creative Economy Programme and the Treasury’s Gowers Review of Intellectual Property clearly show that the Government recognises that the creative industries are major contributors to the UK economy with a significant potential for further growth."

"However, as far as the music sector is concerned, that growth will simply be unsustainable unless the Government and other relevant agencies address the key issues which affect the current plight of the majority of composers and songwriters as revealed in this "Status Quo?" report. According to Government statistics, there are approximately 100,000 people employed in the music industry. Composers and Songwriters, who provide the raw material for this business, number less than 1,000 who are able to earn a full-time living from their creativity.

Those who write music need to do so within an environment in which they can flourish. They need quality training at the beginning of their careers, continuing support as they adapt to and take on new skills, effective promotion of their intellectual property and a fair reward for work undertaken. Failure to address these issues will only lead to a general decline in the quality of UK music as our creative talent drifts off to alternative and better rewarded careers. The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters warmly welcomes the "Status Quo?" report, which so effectively states the case for the music writer. It is high time that composers and songwriters received the recognition they deserve, for without them there would be no music industry and little music of quality."

Status Quo Report



The Balenescu Quartet playing at the Academy's Launch of the Status Quo Report at the House of Commons, 31st October 2006.