PERFORMING artists want the new government to deliver “meaningful changes on workers’ rights, insourcing, sectoral bargaining, and growth in every postcode,” Equity union said today.

General secretary Paul W. Fleming said that the arts were not “simply a ‘ministry for fun’” as he congratulated Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister.

He said: “As it settles into office, his new administration will encounter many substantive issues to wrestle with relating to the arts and entertainment industries, whether BBC Charter Renewal, regulation of artificial intelligence, developing the creative industries industrial strategy, or tackling the crisis in arts funding.

“Alongside these sectoral issues, every Equity member is looking to a new administration to deliver meaningful changes on workers’ rights, insourcing, sectoral bargaining, and growth in every postcode.

“It is vital that whoever is driving arts and entertainment policy going forward recognises that our industries are critical economic sectors with mature industrial frameworks.

“They are fundamental to rebalancing our economy and driving growth from every tier of government, as well as UK exports, and soft power.

“This is not simply a ‘ministry for fun,’ but one with a vital part to play in the future success of every part of the UK.”

Writing in the Observer, British theatre director and producer Jude Kelly CBE said: “I hope he will knock heads together between government departments and get them all to recognise the essential creative ingredients that culture offers to public policy.

“Progress can only be achieved with emotional intelligence, empathy and the ability to hear and tell stories.”