UK Government Announces New Arts Fund
The UK government has announced a major funding package to boost growth and opportunity in the arts and culture sector. The £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund will support hundreds of arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings, ensuring that people across the nation have access to cultural experiences right on their doorsteps.
This significant investment aims to create opportunities for young people to learn creative skills, support jobs in the cultural sector, and enhance the long-term financial resilience of organisations in need. The funding will target essential infrastructure work and vital support to keep these institutions up and running.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the importance of arts and culture in shaping society and contributing to the economy. The creative industries, worth £124 billion, are a key driver of growth and innovation, making Britain a cultural powerhouse. The government’s Plan for Change seeks to make the vision of "arts for everyone, everywhere" a reality.
The funding package includes:
- £85 million Creative Foundations Fund for urgent capital works.
- £25 million Museum Estate and Development Fund for infrastructure projects.
- £20 million Museum Renewal Fund to support civic museums.
- £15 million for Heritage at Risk to repair and conserve heritage buildings.
- £5.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund for building and technology upgrades.
- £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund to empower local communities.
- £120 million for the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund.
- A 5% increase in budgets for national museums and galleries.
- £3.2 million for cultural education programmes.
This investment will help protect jobs, boost local economies, and ensure that cultural institutions can continue to thrive and attract tourists. The announcement follows recent funding for regional growth and regeneration, including £67 million for ten major cultural projects across the UK.
The Royal Shakespeare Company and other cultural leaders have welcomed the government’s support, highlighting the importance of maintaining and effectively using theatre buildings to make the arts accessible to all.
While the UK government has outlined these significant investments, we eagerly await the budget announcement for Wales. We remain hopeful for substantial funding to support and enhance the vibrant Welsh arts scene, enabling our talented artists to continue creating and inspiring.
Stay tuned for more details on how these funds will be allocated and the positive impact they will have on our cultural landscape. The future of arts and culture in the UK looks brighter than ever, thanks to this unprecedented investment.