Breaking down barriers in the creative industries, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy vows to ‘bulldoze’ obstacles hindering growth and pledges a £60m investment package.
The UK government has announced a significant investment in the creative industries, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy vowing to “bulldoze” barriers that hold back potential. At the first Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead, Nandy outlined her vision for turbocharging growth in sectors such as film, television, music, fashion, theatre, and video games.
A New Approach to Arts Funding
Nandy accused previous Conservative governments of underestimating the economic value of arts and culture. She argued that while every government has recognized the cultural and social benefits of the creative industries, too little attention has been paid to their economic potential. Nandy emphasized that it is time for a new approach, one that prioritizes collaboration between the government and industry leaders.
Addressing Skills Shortages and Downgraded Arts Subjects
Nandy highlighted the pressing issue of skills shortages in the creative sector, citing a lack of investment in arts subjects on the school curriculum as a major contributor. She acknowledged that this has resulted in many young people being unable to pursue careers in film, fashion, or video games due to a lack of opportunities.
Investment and Partnership: A Key to Success
Nandy emphasized the importance of partnership between the government and industry leaders. She noted that investors like Netflix and Amazon are eager to invest in UK projects, but require stability and a supportive environment. The £60m package of support announced by Nandy includes funding for grassroots creative ventures, as well as major investments in cultural institutions such as the Centre for Writing in Newcastle.
A Bright Future for the North-East
Nandy praised plans to build studios on the former Crown Works site in Sunderland, which she described as a potential hub for film and television production. She expressed her ambition for the north-east to become the “Hollywood of the UK”, with the creative industries driving economic growth and job creation.
A New Era for Arts Funding
Nandy’s speech marked a significant shift in the government’s approach to arts funding. She emphasized that arts and culture are not just niceties, but essential components of national identity. With big spending cuts looming on the horizon, Nandy’s message was clear: the days of the arts being an optional extra are over. The story that a nation tells itself matters, and it is time for the UK to prioritize its creative industries as a key driver of growth and prosperity.
- theguardian.com | Lisa Nandy vows to bulldoze barriers in arts and turbocharge growth
