The Glasshouse

One of the greatest strengths of the UK’s cultural sector is its incredible diversity. In communities spanning villages, towns and cities, at various scales, all kinds of art forms a true testament to the creative impulse which runs through the UK’s people and society. Given this diversity, it is difficult for us to always speak with one voice. However, there is one thing we can all agree on: that the case and need for public investment in organisations and artists has not been greater in our lifetimes. The debate can then easily turn to what should receive public investment – which is currently directed to a tiny proportion of the rich range of activity which happens across the country.

A risk in these complex and challenging times is that the sector will turn on itself—art forms versus art forms, regions versus regions, and large organisations versus smaller ones and individual artists for scarce resources. This would be a tragedy, and it would miss the point that we must make together.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the people who make art and the organisations which bring them and audiences together. The essence of culture is innovation, difference, and originality. Many organisations work tirelessly to secure funding from multiple sources, including individual and corporate giving, which has become increasingly vital as public investment from Arts Council England and local councils has declined. While there are many success stories in fundraising, many initiatives—especially those not tied to specific locations or those serving less affluent communities—face significant sustainability challenges. Many, many more organisations and artists do not secure funding or investment from elsewhere.

Public funding should of course prioritise those institutions, projects, and artists that rely on this support to thrive, ensuring resources are allocated where they can have the most significant social, cultural, and economic impact. John Maynard Keynes, with his feet firmly in economics and the founding Chair of the Arts Council, was right in 1945 and he is right now. His argument was that ‘the arts are the true expression of a nation’s soul and its economy. And if we do not foster culture, we lose the opportunity to enrich our society and its future.‘

Our most urgent task right now as a sector is that we must collectively demonstrate the value of cultural investment, particularly when public finances are under pressure. Investment in the arts and creative industries sparks imagination, fosters skills, and supports hope—across generations. It is exactly what we need to help us navigate these challenging times, emotionally, socially and economically. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, every £1 of public investment in arts and culture generates £5 for the UK economy. It’s way more than this at The Glasshouse and in many other places. We are part of the highest contributing sectors to the British economy.

I am not suggesting ignoring the current realities of the UK’s economic circumstances. But with our eyes on the mid term, it is our responsibility, together, to advocate for confident and 21st century level investment in the arts. And we should reject the false choice between supporting education and communities, and promoting artistic excellence. Both are essential —nurturing art and the people who create and experience it alike. In the face of the challenges confronting our nation and the world, the arts offer hope and meaningful solutions. Let’s make that case together.

Abigail Pogson, April 2025