£1.5 billion for culture and arts

The government has announced a package of £1.5 billion to be invested in cultural organisations over a five-year period.

The money will be invested to save over 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England from closure.

The funding is intended to fix urgent capital needs and open up access to culture for everyone, everywhere. 

It is hoped that the funding will help restore national pride in community assets, bring people together and support no or low-cost options for days out as part of the government’s drive to support families with the cost of living.

The funding includes more than £100 million specifically earmarked for local museums struggling with maintenance backlogs and bills. This is expected to support up to 200 sites across the country.

The £1.5 billion includes £760 million for museums, including £600 million of infrastructure funding which will support national museums and DCMS sponsored cultural organisations and £160 million for local and regional museums.

A £425 million Creative Foundations Fund will support approximately 300 capital projects in arts venues across the country.

There is £230 million for heritage protecting and preserving heritage buildings, including listed places of worship.

The Libraries Improvement Fund will receive £27.5 million to support public libraries to upgrade their buildings and technology to meet changing needs to better serve their communities.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "At a time when forces seek to divide us, arts, culture and heritage are what bind us together.

"Our local cultural institutions aren’t just buildings — they’re part of who we are as a nation, they help tell our national story, and provide unique opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams. 

"This funding will keep the doors open and the lights on at thousands of arts organisations, museums, libraries and heritage buildings that might otherwise have been at real risk of closing. It will unlock opportunities for millions of people who have been shut out for far too long. That is the Britain we are rebuilding."

Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah, Co-Chief Executives of the National Theatre said: "Today’s announcement is a significant step change in futureproofing the performing arts in all parts of the country as we will now have the opportunity to benefit from sustained capital investment from the government. This fundamental commitment will support the industry to thrive and grow, enabling more people and communities across the UK to experience the power of arts and culture in their lives. The capital investment the National Theatre has received over the years has made a vital contribution to our pressing need to maintain and upgrade our building as we continue to offer world class theatre to audiences everywhere."