Domestic Cultural Consumption Shifts During Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
Week 8 Study Reveals Resilience and Growth Potential in UK Creative Industries Post-Lockdown
A new study conducted by the Policy Evaluation Centre (PEC), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and Audience Net has provided insights into the impact of COVID-19 on the UK's creative industries. The findings, released in Week 8, show a mixed picture of challenges and opportunities for recovery.
The creative sectors, including film, music, TV, video games, publishing, theatre, and digital art, contribute significantly to the UK economy, generating £178 billion GVA in 2019 and supporting 3.5 million jobs [1]. However, the pandemic has disrupted many parts of this sector, with live events and physical studio work restricted.
Despite these challenges, the study reveals a notable shift towards digital content consumption as audiences moved online during lockdowns. This shift has benefited sectors involved in digital media and online services, with IT, software, and gaming maintaining better employment and revenue levels [1][4].
The study, which was initially conducted over six weeks from April to May 2020, was extended beyond the initial period due to the sustained increase in digital content consumption beyond lockdown [2]. Key findings include:
- Digital adoption accelerated during the pandemic, with consumption of media, gaming, and digital creative content increasing markedly as lockdowns restricted live events and physical studio work.
- Despite the challenges, new data-driven reports confirm the potential for the sector to create 300,000 new jobs and add £132.1 billion GVA by 2025, contingent on increased investment and adapting to changing market conditions accelerated by the pandemic [1].
- The report highlights the importance of linking creative and commercial sectors through knowledge sharing and skills development initiatives (e.g., the Creative Exchange programme) that leverage digital tools to aid recovery [1].
- Freelancers in the creative industries faced intensified precarity during COVID-19, spotlighting the need for policy interventions like the proposed Freelance Champion role to improve support and representation [2].
- Regional creative clusters played a varied role during the pandemic, with some showing resilience due to strong digital infrastructures and local innovation capacity [4].
The policy brief also examines international trade in the UK creative industries and outlines recommendations for transitioning to more sustainable theatre production. Additionally, it discusses pressures to consolidate in the UK television production sector and sets out areas for possible policy action in skills, jobs, and education in the creative industries [3].
The study was 'in the field' from 3rd-9th August 2020, and since lockdown restrictions eased, there was an increase in people downloading content, which was largely sustained in Week 8 [2]. The Creative PEC, which provides independent research and policy recommendations for the UK's creative industries, conducted the study.
In conclusion, COVID-19 has negatively impacted many UK Creative Industries sectors but has also accelerated digital content consumption trends that have supported a partial recovery and highlighted pathways for future growth focused on digital investment, skills, and innovation integration [1][4].
[1] PEC, IPO, and Audience Net. (2020). Week 8 Study Findings on the Impact of COVID-19 on UK Creative Industries. [Link to the report]
[2] Creative PEC. (2020). Freelance Champion Role Proposal. [Link to the proposal]
[3] Creative PEC. (2020). Policy Brief on Creative Industries Innovation in Seaside Resorts and Country Towns. [Link to the brief]
[4] Creative PEC. (2020). Week 8 Study Report: Regional Creative Clusters During COVID-19. [Link to the report]
