House of Lords report slams UK government’s 'complacent' and 'incoherent' approach to the arts
A new report published by the UK House of Lords today has slammed the government’s approach to the arts, describing it as “complacent” and at risk of “jeopardising the sector’s commercial potential”.
The communications committee report notes how the creative industries scarcely featured in the 2022 autumn statement and were not included in the government’s five priorities for growth. “This lack of focus risks affecting the UK’s future prosperity, especially at a time of rising international competition in the sector and domestic economic challenges,” the report says. Cultural polices, it adds, are “characterised by incoherence and barriers to success”.
The report makes the case for the creative sector as a lucrative income stream. It notes how the sector accounted for £115.9bn—almost 6% of the UK’s entire gross value added—in 2019. “This was more than the aerospace, automotive and life sciences industries combined,” the report says.
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