Major investment to boost growth and cement Britain’s place as cultural powerhouse
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People across the nation will benefit from access to the arts and
culture on their doorsteps as a result of a major funding package
to boost growth and opportunity. Hundreds of arts venues,
museums, libraries and heritage buildings will receive a share of
more than £270 million as part of an Arts Everywhere Fund from the
government, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for young
people to learn creative skills while helping to boost people's
sense of pride in...Request free trial
People across the nation will benefit from access to the arts and culture on their doorsteps as a result of a major funding package to boost growth and opportunity. Hundreds of arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings will receive a share of more than £270 million as part of an Arts Everywhere Fund from the government, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for young people to learn creative skills while helping to boost people's sense of pride in where they live. The cash will be targeted at organisations in urgent need of financial support to keep them up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve long term financial resilience. Today's announcement will help protect hundreds of jobs in the cultural and heritage sectors. Overall, cultural sectors support 666,000 filled jobs across the country. Arts and culture are a vital part of our first-class creative industries and are a key part of what makes Britain so great. The creative industries are worth £124 billion to our economy, creating jobs, opportunities and showcasing the best of Britain to the world. That is why the creative industries were identified as one of the eight growth-driving sectors in the government's Industrial Strategy - with the potential to boost economic growth throughout communities in the UK. At an inaugural lecture marking the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper by former Minister Jennie Lee, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will gather leaders from across the arts and culture sectors at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon. She will set out how Jennie Lee's vision of the ‘arts for everyone, everywhere' will be made a reality as part of the Government's Plan for Change. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Arts and culture help us understand the world we live in, they shape and define society and are enjoyed by people in every part of our country. They are the building blocks of our world-leading creative industries and make a huge contribution towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people to learn the creative skills they need to succeed. “The funding we are announcing today will allow the arts to continue to flourish across Britain, creating good jobs and growth by fixing the foundations in our cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage institutions. “As a government that is on your side, our Plan for Change will ensure that arts and cultural institutions truly are for everyone, everywhere.” During the lecture, the Culture Secretary will announce the following funding for the next financial year, beginning in April:
This package will be integral to ensuring that arts and culture are a catalyst for growth in the Creative Industries and local economies by making sure cultural venues are supported to reach their full potential and attracting more tourists through our cultural institutions. The Culture Secretary is also set to confirm the advisory panel of experts who will be supporting Baroness Margaret Hodge with her independent review of Arts Council England, as well as the scope of the review within the newly agreed Terms of Reference. The beneficiaries of the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund will also be announced, which will see 29 local museums up and down the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings. The news follows another boost for regional growth and regeneration earlier this week, when the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced ten critical culture projects across the UK will receive a total of £67 million. This funding will support exciting projects such as the National Railway Museum in York, the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool, and in Leeds, both the National Poetry Centre and the revamping of ‘Temple Works', paving the way for it to house the British Library North. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Our Plan for Change promises growth for every corner of the UK, which is why this week I announced more than £67 million for ten major cultural projects that celebrate our nation. “I had the pleasure to visit some of these projects last week and seeing the role they will play in igniting regeneration in their communities and on a national scale. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people's pockets.” This comes on top of the £60 million package recently announced by the Culture Secretary at the Creative Industries Growth Summit to support hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK. This is the first step towards delivering the Creative Industry Sector Plan, as part of the UK's modern Industrial Strategy. Today's announcement will build upon this, ensuring that the culture sector is able to achieve its full potential. More details on how to apply to each of these funds and schemes will be made available in due course. ENDS Supportive quotes Arts Council England, Chief Executive, Darren Henley said:
“Today's a good news day for arts organisations, museums and
libraries. We know how much cultural places and spaces are valued
in towns and cities across the land. For years to come, this new
investment will help more people in more places to flourish by
finding joy and connection with high quality culture close to
home. Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive at Historic England, said:
“The £15m Heritage at Risk funding will enable us to help regenerate cherished historic buildings in some of our most deprived areas, boosting local pride and wellbeing, as well as stimulating economic growth where it's really needed.”
Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre, said: “The support announced today shows that, like the visionary Jennie Lee, this Government keenly understands the arts ecosystem and its leading role in boosting the economy, enriching local communities and enhancing soft power. Much-needed capital investment will begin the task of enabling arts venues in towns and cities across our country to upgrade their facilities, providing more jobs and training, improving their financial and environmental sustainability, and offering more opportunities for young people and communities. Today's announcement is further proof that the Government sees the benefit of working long term, in deep partnership with our sector, to break down barriers to growth and opportunity. Capital isn't about bricks and mortar, it's about making space for creativity to flourish.” Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Ballet and Opera, said: "I am delighted that Government has recognised the need to invest in the country's performing arts infrastructure. This one year programme is a vital first step in ensuring that future generations of audience members can continue to enjoy our world leading performing arts sector, which plays such an important role in the Government's growth and wellbeing agendas." Gurinder Chadha, Film Director, said: “Time and time again the creative industries have proved how much income they bring into our economy from box office sales to expertise, skills and jobs. I am proud to be a part of the British arts industry that is respected globally. Anything that helps local communities and local artists build their skills, to fulfil their potential and further the cultural economy is something to be applauded.” Kwame Kwei-Armah, Director and Playwright, said: “Today's announcement by our government to invest in our world leading cultural sector could not have come sooner or at a better time. From personal inspiration to international soft power I, like many, will be overjoyed that our government has seen the cultural sector who we are and what we contribute to Britain and beyond." James Graham, Playwright and Writer, said: “This new investment is an extremely welcome acknowledgement of the role culture can play in rebuilding local communities. “The sector has been just-about-surviving for too long and such injections mean much-loved local venues can begin planning for the future. “On a personal note, as someone who grew up in a town with very limited access to the arts, the new funding for education programmes is to be celebrated. I only fell in love with theatre because of the passion of the drama teachers in my comprehensive school. It's deeply encouraging to see that the collapse of culture in education over the last decade can finally turnaround, and unleash the creativity of all young people everywhere.” Adjoa Andoh, Actress and Writer, said: “Arts and culture belong to all the people of our amazing creative nation. Our drama, our literature, our music, our painting, our history - it's what we're known for across the world, so at home everyone should have access to their heritage with no barriers to participation. I am thrilled that with the announcement of this fantastic injection of targeted funding for arts infrastructure and education, locally and nationally, the government recognises that only with their active support can all the people fully share in our wonderful cultural inheritance. I am sure Jennie Lee whose white paper championed the arts 60 years ago, would be proud.” Tracy-Ann Oberman, Actress and playwright, said: “Lisa Nandy has shown a huge commitment to the arts. She has been incredibly supportive of my production of “The Merchant of Venice 1936” and the need to tell stories through theatre to bring communities together. I think this announcement shows a real commitment to the arts in the UK and investment in the rich cultural heritage of this country.” Lemn Sissay, Author and Broadcaster, said: “Investing in the arts is an investment in our communities, our creativity, and our future. The creation of the National Poetry Centre is a shining example of this commitment, offering a space where creativity can flourish and voices from all backgrounds are celebrated. “Lisa Nandy's commitment to providing funding for the arts, for everyone everywhere, ensures that the transformative power of culture reaches every corner of our nation, fostering unity, inspiration, and opportunity for all.” Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal said: "As not only a vital sector for tourism but also for local communities and businesses, it's encouraging to see British arts and culture being supported in a tangible and constructive way." Es Devlin, Stage Designer, said: "Now, more than ever, the cultivation of our collective consciousness, our shared imagination, our ability to seek patterns and imagine possible futures is critical, and this investment in the arts and arts education is urgent and most welcome.” Kate Mosse CBT, Novelist, Historian & Playwright, said: “Today marks the 60th anniversary of Jennie Lee's visionary White Paper that changed everything. The idea - radical at the time and no less important today - that the arts are for everyone, that creativity can be found everywhere and fostered, that books, theatre, dance, music transform lives, these ideas took root because of Lee's commitment, enthusiasm and passion. She was one of the great transformational politicians of the 20th century and writers - and artists - salute you.” Nicholas Cullinan, British Museum Director, said: “This additional funding is a wonderful investment in the UK's museums sector. In every corner of the country, our national and civic museums play a vital role protecting our heritage, bringing communities together, and supporting and inspiring the UK's world-leading cultural sector.” Mary Beard, Trustee of the British Museum: “This is great news. Museums across the country are places where we go to learn, to be challenged, to wonder, to debate and disagree, and to discover times, people and places different from ourselves. They deserve (and need) all the support we can give them." Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director, said: “I really welcome and am grateful for the additional support from the government for the museums sector, providing a vital lifeline to ensure we continue to reach and inspire audiences locally, nationally, globally.” Tom Sleigh, Chair, Norwich Theatre, said: “'We really welcome this announcement. There is a pressing need for better investment in cultural infrastructure, and this funding will be incredibly important for many regional arts organisations, who have such an important role to play in their local communities.” Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: "The Libraries Improvement Fund has been transformative in helping library services in England adapt to the changing needs of their users. This new round will broaden that legacy, creating more accessible, sustainable and inclusive libraries across the country. We can't wait to see the successful projects take shape." Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive Officer of English National Opera and London Coliseum, said: “We warmly welcome today's announcement from the Secretary of State of a new Creative Foundations Fund. This will provide critical and transformative support for many performing and visual arts venues across the country, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role at the heart of their communities. These much-needed, urgent interventions in our cultural spaces will support creativity and innovation, locally and nationally – and are an investment in our audiences of today and the future.” Notes to editors:
On the review of Arts Council England
Arts Council England is set to undergo a transformative review that will reimagine how we support, develop, and celebrate creativity across every corner of our nation. This landmark independent review, led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, will shine a light on how we can break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that arts and culture are truly accessible to everyone, regardless of background or postcode. By examining everything from funding mechanisms to community engagement, we're taking a crucial step towards building a more inclusive, vibrant, and dynamic cultural landscape that reflects the rich creativity of every community in England.
Cultural organisations and other interested parties are invited to participate in a survey to feed in their views as part of the review.
The survey, the advisory panel of experts and the full Terms of Reference for the review will be made available on gov.uk here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/arts-council-england-review
On the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund
The Museum Estate and Development Fund enables museums across the country to deliver a better experience for visitors and staff, make access and environmental improvements, unlock income-generating opportunities, and continue to protect treasured buildings and collections for future generations. It is open to museums in England accredited by the Arts Council which are not directly funded by DCMS. This fourth round of funding, worth £24.8 million, will benefit 29 local museums across the country:
North West
North East
Yorkshire
Midlands
East
South East
South West
London
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