New "State of the Arts" Report Reveals Dramatic Fall in UK Arts Funding

UK government spending on the arts is the among the lowest in Europe, according to this University of Warwick report

Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick have come together to release a major new report on funding for the arts in the UK. Titled "The State of the Arts," the report shows that there has been a worrying decrease in funding for the arts — from both local and central government.

The report covers the years between 2009 and 2023, and one of its key findings is that in real terms, local government has reduced its funding for culture and related services by 48% in England (40% in Wales and 29% in Scotland).

Furthermore, the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport has decreased its core funding of cultural organizations by 18% — and this figure now accounts for 0.17% of total public spending per person. Arts Council England also lost 18% of its funding, and this decrease has been cited as a factor in a number of major changes, such as moving the English National Opera from London to Manchester.

The BBC, which is the single largest employer of musicians and the main commissioner of new music in the UK, had its funding decrease by 23% in real terms between 2009 and 2023.

"The decade-long declines presented in the report represent a lack of support in all areas, from funding to education to employment, so what is required is a fundamental shift in our thinking about the role of the arts in society," said Heidi Ashton, lead researcher at the University of Warwick. "This report has provided a benchmark and information to inform decisions for a more equitable future."

"It’s no secret that it’s been a tough few years for the arts, but the State of the Arts report reveals that things are even worse than we feared," said Jack Gamble, Director of Campaign for the Arts. "The UK now has one of the lowest levels of public funding for the arts and culture among European nations."

"Local government investment and arts subject entries at GCSE have both almost halved since 2010. Our new government inherits a huge challenge to turn this around and break down barriers to opportunity in the arts."