ACE Opera and Music Theatre analysis
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.
12 October 2024
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
What is Opera UK?
Opera UK aims to become a responsive sector support organisation which will evolve and develop according to the needs of the UK’s opera community.
We can’t do this without you.
Opera UK has launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a determination to future-proof the opera sector and improve its sustainability.
If there were ever a time for us to collaborate and communicate as an industry, it’s now. Opera UK will help to facilitate that.
Who is Opera UK for?
If you are a professional in the opera industry, Opera UK is for you.
Opera UK is for anyone working and participating professionally in opera in the UK. Opera UK is for individuals, freelancers and organisations at all scales.
All roles and disciplines are welcome and everyone’s voice will be needed to work collectively to build an inclusive and sustainable future for opera.
What will Opera UK do?
Opera UK aims to be a responsive support organisation that will strengthen the UK opera sector through collaboration, support and advocacy, becoming a resource for professional individuals as well as companies working in opera.
To this end, Opera UK will start by facilitating research and collaborative discussion, as well as promoting partnerships and growing its affiliate links both within and outside the opera sector, in the UK and around the world.
Where has Opera UK come from?
The seeds of Opera UK have been germinating for some years, with recent world events being a catalyst to action. Calls for a representative body for opera in the UK, as well as a need to connect and represent the whole sector- from freelance individuals, to small-scale opera companies, to our national and international companies, have been growing from around the sector.
A small group of committed individuals have come together to start this initiative as Founder Directors and to help it grow in its initial stages of operation. The directors are listed here.
Opera UK already has the support of a growing number of founder companies who have agreed to help seed-fund the organisation as Company Founder Members. We now have 47 Company Founder Members and we are growing week-by-week.
You can view our current Company Member list here.