Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, is set to unveil a major funding boost for arts and cultural institutions across Britain, marking the 60th anniversary of the country’s first-ever arts white paper. The announcement, to be made on Thursday in Stratford-upon-Avon, will include a £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund aimed at supporting struggling organisations.
The funding package will also see a 5% budget increase for all national museums and art galleries, as well as targeted investments to restore heritage buildings, maintain museums, and improve libraries. The move follows Labour’s manifesto pledge to expand access to the arts and ensure cultural institutions are not limited to a privileged few.
A milestone for british arts
The announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of Labour arts minister Jennie Lee’s landmark white paper, which laid out a vision for “arts for everyone, everywhere.” Ms Nandy’s speech, expected to take place at the Royal Shakespeare Company, will reaffirm this commitment, underscoring the role of arts and culture in Britain’s creative industries and economic growth.
“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,” Ms Nandy said ahead of her speech. “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 in Britain.”
Major investment in cultural institutions
The funding plan includes a range of investments to strengthen cultural venues across the UK:
- £85 million for capital works at arts venues
- £25 million for museum maintenance
- £15 million to restore heritage buildings at risk
- £5.5 million to improve libraries
More Read
The British Museum’s director, Nicholas Cullinan, praised the initiative as “a wonderful investment in the UK’s museums sector,” while Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, described it as “a vital lifeline to ensure we continue to reach and inspire audiences locally, nationally, globally.”
A broader commitment to the arts
The funding announcement comes in the wake of the Deputy Prime Minister’s pledge earlier in the week to allocate £67 million towards ten cultural projects across the UK. It also aligns with Labour’s broader agenda of improving access to the arts and supporting creative institutions that play a vital role in Britain’s economy and society.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, welcomed the news, saying: “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 connections with high-quality culture close to home.”
With this significant financial commitment, Ms Nandy aims to ensure that Britain’s cultural heritage continues to thrive, supporting jobs, boosting tourism, and enriching communities nationwide.
