New paper from Creative UK calls on UK Government to recognise how culture is ‘key to sustainable economic growth’
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New paper from Creative UK calls on UK Government to recognise how culture is ‘key to sustainable economic growth, healthy communities and a confident national story’
‘Culture as Growth Infrastructure’ makes clear recommendations for how Government can better measure impact of cultural sector – as ‘driver of growth – not a drain on it’ – highlighting where more investment could be made available for sector
Today, Wednesday 17 December, Creative UK has launched a new report, highlighting how culture is central to the UK’s economic growth and social value – and outlining recommendations to ensure this is properly measured and understood by the UK Government.
‘Culture as Growth Infrastructure’ draws on qualitative evidence gathered in two national evidence sessions led by Creative UK – in which academics and over 30 sector leaders presented evidence that cultural investment already delivers strong returns. The sessions also highlighted that a significant proportion of cultural finance remains short-term and grant-based, limiting its capacity to attract additional capital and to scale.
Findings from academic research, alongside insights presented during the evidence sessions, demonstrate that the case for more strategic long-term investment could be made if there were better systems in place to measure the true economic impact of culture.
A key recommendation for improving the landscape is for HM Treasury to embed the Culture and Heritage Capital (CHC) framework as Supplementary Guidance to the Green Book, supported by worked examples and Civil Service training materials.
The Culture and Heritage Capital (CHC) framework was developed by the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS), and establishes a consistent and credible approach to measuring cultural and social value, allowing cultural projects to be assessed within the same models used for other forms of public investment.
Other recommendations include:
- A national cultural infrastructure map – setting out the location, use and condition of cultural assets – to identify where investment is most needed and track change over time;
- A short-term advisory body in the shape of a Cultural Infrastructure Commission, to forecast demand, assess risks and advise on long-term cultural investment priorities;
- For HMRC and DSIT to publish clear examples of how cultural organisations and creative innovation can qualify for existing R&D tax relief;
- Mobilising investment through the British Business Bank – by ensuring the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme’s eligibility criteria reflects the financial structures of cultural organisations so they can access appropriate debt finance;
- And financing cultural infrastructure through the National Wealth Fund.
Commenting on the report, Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said: “For too many years, the cultural sector has come up against a pervasive and persistent myth: that theatre, music, museums, literature, opera, visual art and so many more incredible cultural assets are a ‘nice to have’ in our society. That culture is a cost to us, rather than an investment. This could not be further from the truth.
“As this paper rightly states, every pound spent on the UK’s incredible cultural output generates measurable gains in productivity, health and tax revenue. Concerts, plays, exhibitions – these boost local economies, and drive growth in every corner of the UK, whilst supporting wellbeing and social cohesion.
“This myth can be undercut once and for all, if we find better ways to tell the impact story. And when the value of culture is properly measured and understood, we open up opportunities for more investment in the sector, and in turn, more growth for the UK.”
Notes to Editors
For any enquiries or requests, please contact Rebecca Maxwell at press@wearecreative.uk.
About Creative UK: Creative UK is the national membership body for the Cultural and Creative Industries. We exist to champion creativity in its widest form – representing world-leading organisations from sectors as diverse as advertising, animation, architecture, broadcasting, crafts, design, digital, education, fashion, games, heritage, museums, music, performing arts, photography, publishing, theatre, TV, visual art and more.
We are an independent not-for-profit, which uses the insight and experience of our members to help shape relevant government policy and advocate for meaningful change. Change that will benefit UK businesses, citizens and communities.
Our vision is a world where creativity is valued and recognised as the driving force for our future.
We’re so passionate about this that we put our money where our mouth is: through own landmark investment funds, we’ve directly invested millions of pounds into creative businesses over the last decade.
Our team is based across the UK, and we work closely with Local and Combined Authorities to support creative talent, whilst delivering hands-on support – spanning business diagnostics, mentoring and investment readiness.
Our Filming in England service is a dedicated and bespoke production service to feature film and high-end TV productions looking to film in England, outside of London.
