A year on, this new report, written by Eliza Easton, Director of Erskine Analysis, looks at what has changed since Framing the Future: The Political Case for Strengthening the Visual Arts Ecosystem was published in April 2025.

Importantly, it shows that there has been real progress in the political recognition of the visual arts. The sector is increasingly visible within conversations about the creative industries, economic growth, place, skills and cultural policy.

But it also makes clear that recognition now needs to translate into action.

Artists and organisations continue to face fragile business models and financial pressures; arts education and routes into the sector remain under strain; and there are still significant gaps in investment, data and understanding of how the different parts of the visual arts ecosystem connect – from artists and studios through to education, public institutions, commercial galleries and the art market.

That is why we think this report matters now. It gives us an opportunity to build on the progress we have made together, while continuing to make the case for the conditions and investment the visual arts need to thrive.

Read the full report here