The arts are for everyone, and I understand how important it is that funding for the arts and creative spaces is fairly distributed across the country. Like many of you, I am deeply committed to supporting the arts including through public funding to organisations made via Arts Council England (ACE).
With regard to live music venues specifically, I agree these contribute significantly to our community by bringing people together and celebrating the music of people from all backgrounds and ages. Furthermore, they create jobs, help strengthen local economies and play a crucial role in the UK's world-leading music sector and are key to developing the future talent pipeline. Many live music venues can access funding through Arts Council England (ACE), for example through ACE's Supporting Grassroots Live Music fund.
Overall investment in theatre has also increased through this round of the ACE’s investment programme – both in terms of the number of organisations supported and the volume of funding, which is now more than £110 million per annum, encompassing 194 organisations.
Through ACE's 2023–26 National Portfolio, as agreed with the previous Conservative Government, increased funding of £444.6 million per annum will fund a record 985 organisations in more parts of the country than ever before. This is an increase from £410 million per annum and 828 organisations under the previous portfolio. Of the 275 new organisations joining the funding portfolio, 214 are outside London.
These funding allocations reflect a broader change in attitudes to culture, with people wanting cultural offerings to be much more local and accessible, in their own towns and cities. As part of this, one fifth of the funding that used to go to London will be moved elsewhere by 2026.
It is unclear if, or how, the new Labour Government will support the sector or indeed how much funding ACE will receive. However, I certainly shall continue to support live music venues in the East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency along with the wider arts sector.
