Next Steps
Opera UK is aware of the publication of the Arts Council England Opera and Music Theatre analysis and we have been following subsequent developments. The Directors of Opera UK have been involved in discussions between a range of UK Opera companies, including several smaller companies, about ways in which sector organisation and communication can be improved and expanded. Sector support and communication is one of the Arts Council’s four areas of focus following their response to the Opera and Music Theatre analysis.
We continue to be grateful to everyone who has supported the ambition of a sector support organisation for opera in the UK. We will share news on further developments, as well as any opportunities to contribute to future discussions when we can.
Updated January 2025
A statement on the future of Opera UK
Opera UK launched during the pandemic. After consultation with the founding membership, we published our first strategic plan in August 2021. In July 2022 we convened a series of discussions focussing on sustainability, diversifying leadership, and advocacy. Unfortunately, the organisation is currently dormant and so we have not asked for, nor have we received any member subscriptions for the current financial year.
The Directors of Opera UK remain convinced that a sector support organisation would be of significant benefit to the opera sector. However greater financial investment is needed to meet the demands of a busy, change-making sector support body and to enable Opera UK to thrive as a membership organisation.
The Directors of Opera UK, all of whom are volunteers, are in discussion with the major opera companies about a viable way forward for Opera UK.
We are grateful to everyone who has and continues to support the ambition of a sector support organisation for opera in the UK. We will share a further update on Opera UK’s future when possible.
The Directors of Opera UK
March 2024