The Creative Powerhouse of Britain: Why We’re Overlooking Our Arts Success

Author Cressida Cowell argues that the UK government prioritizes artificial intelligence over the creative industries, despite the arts contributing approximately £124 billion annually to the economy. Writing for Radio Times, Cowell warns that neglecting artistic education and copyright protections threatens the UK’s position as a global leader in culture.

The creative sector employs roughly 2.4 million people across the UK, according to Cowell. She notes that this economic impact extends to the hospitality and tourism industries through visits to theaters, museums, and events like the Edinburgh Fringe.

Cowell asserts that Britain outperforms its size on the global stage, specifically citing the export of physical books. She states that the UK exports more physical books than any other country, including the United States. The author also points to the global success of British television formats such as Taskmaster and The Piano.

How does the How to Train Your Dragon production support the UK economy?

Cowell uses her own franchise as a case study for the ripple effect of creative intellectual property. The live-action spin-off of How to Train Your Dragon was filmed at Titanic Studios in Northern Ireland, and the sequel is currently filming at Elstree.

The production relies heavily on British talent and infrastructure. While Mason Thames plays Hiccup and Cate Blanchett portrays Valka, Cowell notes that most other actors and the composer, John Powell, are British.

Technical operations for the films also remain domestic. Cowell confirms that CGI dragons are created in the UK and post-production is handled locally. The soundtrack is being recorded at AIR Studios, which was founded by Sir George Martin.

This ecosystem began with the first How to Train Your Dragon book published in 2003. Cowell has expanded the series with her new book, Fight of the Flamestrike, which introduces Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and dragons Toothless and Windwalker to developing readers.

Why is the decline in arts education a concern?

Cowell identifies a significant decline in the valuation of arts within the British education system. She cites data showing that GCSE art entries have dropped by 47 percent since 2010.

The author argues that the current system focuses on “ticking boxes” and the rote memorization of facts rather than raising well-rounded individuals. She contends that arts, music, and drama are essential for developing empathy and the ability to thrive.

Cowell suggests that creativity is not a “soft” skill but a necessity for success in STEM subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She maintains that creative thinking is specifically required for doctors, scientists, and mathematicians.

What are the risks of AI for creative professionals?

While politicians promote AI as a tool to make Britain a global superpower, Cowell describes the technology as a risk to the powerhouse creative economy. Her primary concern involves large tech companies using the work of creators without permission.

Cowell claims these companies are scraping years of creative work to train AI models, which she argues happens at the expense of authors and illustrators. She questions why current copyright laws do not protect creators from this practice.

AI cannot think creatively! We need creative doctors, scientists and mathematicians. My own view of AI is tarnished by the fact that the huge tech companies are scraping people’s creativity, years and years of work, without permission.

Cressida Cowell, Radio Times

Cowell concludes that the government must actively protect and promote UK creativity to ensure the incentive for future authors and illustrators remains intact.