DCMS calls for urgent financial support for culture across the UK

A report by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called for urgent financial support for theatres, museums and leisure centres in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

The committee claims that action is needed to tackle geographical funding imbalances for arts and culture.

The report follows an inquiry that investigated whether funding for cultural initiatives has reached areas that have historically missed out.

The committee has highlighted the long-term scarring experienced by the culture sector as a result of the pandemic and warns that funding is needed for the government to fulfil its levelling up commitment.

The report also raises concern over skills shortages in the creative sector and urges the government to support schools providing vocational, industry-backed qualifications.

DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP said: “Local museums, galleries and theatres have a huge role to play in regenerating high streets and town centres away from the big cities, but they run up against pervasive and persistent barriers to their success. With spiralling energy bills exacerbating the scars inflicted by the pandemic, the Government must come forward with targeted support to ensure local organisations are not hit by a wave of closures at a time when art and culture is more important than ever in providing people with an escape from the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis."