Arts Manifesto - write to your MP and candidates

Letter writing can make a real difference, especially during election season, so put pen to paper for the sake of the arts.

General election campaigns are ultimately fought at a local level. Candidates have to win the votes of their local constituents. Their policy priorities will be based on concerns and opinions expressed by the people who will vote for them. If they believe that there are votes in the arts, they will have to press their party for a clear and considered cultural policy.

By writing to your candidates, you can let them know that the arts are an electoral issue. Personalised letters generally get a better response than ones which appear to have been copied from a template, but you could use the letter printed below as a starting point. Include local issues or examples to support your case and make it clear that arts policy will affect your vote.

Make sure you write to all your candidates, not just the current MP. To find out who they are, visit the Guardian website where you can use your postcode to find the names of all your candidates for the coming election.

Don't miss out on votes in the arts - template letter

I am writing, as one of your constituents, to urge you to press your party for a clear, creative and comprehensive cultural policy for the coming general election. Your plans for the arts will play a role when I decide my vote in the coming general election.

It is not just my vote that will be affected by your arts policy. The arts have become embedded into all of our lives. They are not just an 'add on' for the rich and privileged. They drive our economy and support our society.

The creative industries employ 1.9 million people, generate £118 billion a year and are growing four times faster than the rest of the UK economy. They have an international reputation that should be the envy of any sector. Politicians ought to be prouder and more outspoken about the high quality and economic importance of Britain's artistic life.

The arts also bring pleasure and fulfilment to millions of people. A recent Arts Council England survey found that 87% of respondents had participated in an arts activity in the previous 12 months. Amongst people aged under 24, this figure rose to 93%. That is an awful lot of voters.

I would also urge you to give your support to the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) Arts Manifesto. This is available from their website at www.artscampaign.org.uk in the Campaigns section. It has been written in consultation with the arts constituency to provide realisable goals that are ready to become your manifesto pledges.

The arts can have a positive impact on almost every area of government policy. They matter to a lot of voters' lives. Do not miss out on votes in the arts.

Return to Arts Manifesto Overview