More than a third of adults believe the arts world is out of their reach - and only for the privileged.
A poll of 2,000 Brits found only 39 per cent consider the arts – which covers disciplines like filmmaking, television and dance – to be inclusive.
Forms most associated with this phrase were opera (53 per cent), ballet (49 per cent) and fine art (43 per cent).
As a result, three quarters (74 per cent) have never attended an orchestra performance, 42 per cent have avoided visiting an art gallery and 26 per cent haven’t been to a museum.
Despite some feeling excluded, those who have attended arts events in the past have felt engaged (46 per cent), inspired (29 per cent) and joyful (30 per cent).
The research, commissioned by Sky Arts, which is on a mission to make the arts more accessible to everyone, found television (61 per cent) and film (61 per cent) were the most enjoyed forms.
The leading factor that would encourage more people to attend arts events is cheaper tickets (42 per cent).
Only 26 per cent see themselves represented in the arts.
Similarly, 61 per cent feel jobs behind the scenes in the arts aren’t celebrated enough, despite 48 per cent believing such workers contribute to keeping the industry alive ahead of performers and artists (41 per cent).
Phil Edgar-Jones, OBE and spokesperson for the brand, which will hold the Sky Arts Awards [https://skyartsawards.sky/] on 16th September, said: “Too often, attention goes only to those on stage or in front of the camera, but the truth is the arts are powered 24/7 by an army of extraordinary people from all walks of life, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the UK arts world thriving.
“Our Arts Hero Award champions those unsung heroes – the riggers, engineers, drivers, mentors and many more - and celebrates them alongside filmmakers, poets, dancers, writers, comedians, musicians, which is just how it should be.”
The research also found many would like to see costume designers (53 per cent), sound engineers (52 per cent) and camera operators (46 per cent) praised more.
Other roles Brits want to see celebrated were cleaners (33 per cent), roadies (30 per cent) and admin staff (28 per cent).
More than a third (36 per cent) also think careers in the arts should be more accessible.
A diverse mix of performers (15 per cent) would encourage people to go to more arts events in the future, as well as cheaper priced tickets (42 per cent) and knowing they’d be welcome (18 per cent).
And a further 29 per cent of those polled via OnePoll said they’d be more likely to engage with such disciplines if a wider range of people from different class backgrounds were represented.
Phil added: “There are clearly changes which need to be made for the average person to feel more welcome and represented in the arts world.
“Be it free and accessible events, content or a more diverse range of performers, we want to help break down barriers.
“By shining a spotlight on the people who make the arts possible, both on stage and behind the scenes – and inviting the community to nominate their own arts heroes - we hope more people can see the arts as something for them.”
