Deputy Advocates for Guernsey to Adopt Jersey’s Arts Funding Model

Guernsey’s longest-serving deputy, John Gollop, who has held his position since 1997, has suggested that the island’s government, known as the States, ought to finance the arts in a manner comparable to Jersey. Gollop expressed his conviction that “the time had come” for the States to contemplate implementing an approach akin to Jersey’s, which allocates “approximately 1% of its budget” to arts, culture, and heritage initiatives. Gollop articulated his preference for a “broadened approach” that would provide funding for areas such as historic architecture, Guernsey’s language commission, sport, and museums, in addition to the arts, all from a single financial source. He contended that funds directed through such a strategy would “be extremely well spent” and would “pay itself back” through advantages including social prescribing, enhancements in mental health, and economic contributions. He further asserted: “I would argue there are more people employed in the arts in Guernsey – if you include arts professionals, teachers and musicians – than in traditional sectors such as agriculture or fishing.” The deputy highlighted that the recent reversal of funding for the St James arts centre indicated public support for arts funding. Gollop also stated that Guernsey Arts and other similar entities “needed more support,” and that “part of the future would be to look at what other places are doing.” Concluding his remarks, he stated: “We’ve got huge amounts of talent here,” adding, “and we’re not really seeing it as part of ‘Brand Guernsey’ – the French support their culture… I think [we should consider] the Jersey solution.”