New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021 | 5:11 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM

Photograph of a small baby in a floor seat, a musician is leaning over them playing guitar. — There is a significant risk of female talent haemorrhage in the performing arts sector with many facing an uncertain future. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Today PiPA has published a new report looking at the impact of Covid-19 on parents and carers in the sector, with a focus on those groups which are currently underrepresented in the performing arts.

Whilst there is a general lack of work in the sector as a direct result of lockdown measures, the situation is compounded for parents and carers who are overwhelmed by the stress of homeschooling or other caregiving demands and feel unable to compete for the few opportunities that are available.

There is a significant risk of female talent haemorrhage in the performing arts sector with many facing an uncertain future and having to choose between supporting a family and staying in the sector. The report finds that women, D/deaf and disabled people and solo parents and carers are the hardest hit.

Key findings include that:

25% of women have involuntarily become full-time carers
Only one third (37%) are certain that they will stay in the industry
Over one third of women with caring responsibilities are experiencing a mental health crisis
Government support has disadvantaged mothers and female carers working in the performing arts

You can download the full report from their website.

See all news

Continue reading

A student is performing to her teacher in a concert room of what appears to be a conservatoire.

Take Action Against The Government’s Proposed 50% Funding Cut to Music at HE Level

The Government's plan to impose a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects including music at Higher Education (HE) level in England have caused uproar on social media.

Back to Work Series of Webinars for Orchestral Players Launched

We will be holding three separate virtual events specifically for orchestral players over the coming months, with the aim of giving our members the tools to return to work as safely as possible.

Photograph of the sun setting through the windows of an empty classroom.

MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

The Government has announced that it plans to impose a 50 percent funding cut to “high cost” subjects at higher education (HE) in England, including music. This is because music and the arts are not among its “strategic priorities”. Members are encouraged to respond to their consultation.

Photograph of a sunny classroom, the photo is focused on a guitar leaning against a chair, in the background out of focus you can see a number of children holding guitars.

Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network to Hold First Conference

The Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network will be running a free online conference on Thursday 6 May, with topics ranging from group teaching strategies to exploring the power of creativity and inclusion.

Closeup photograph of a drumkit, taken from above.

DrumathonLIVE to Raise Money for Mental Health Charities

DrumathonLIVE will involve seven days of non-stop drumming by some of the world’s top drummers, starting from Saturday 15 May and raising money for mental health charities.

All news and features

Find your Local MU Office Contact

Enter your postcode below to find your local Musicians' Union office contact information.

Postcode

If you are an existing member, login to contact your Regional office.

Have your voice