A new paper from Creative UK calls on the UK Government to recognise how culture is \u2018key to sustainable economic growth, healthy communities and a confident national story\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Creative UK writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026\u2018Culture as Growth Infrastructure\u2019 makes clear recommendations for how Government can better measure impact of cultural sector \u2013 as \u2018driver of growth \u2013 not a drain on it\u2019 \u2013 highlighting where more investment could be made available for sector<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026On Wednesday 17 December, Creative UK launched a new report, highlighting how culture is central to the UK\u2019s economic growth and social value \u2013 and outlining recommendations to ensure this is properly measured and understood by the UK Government. \u2018Culture as Growth Infrastructure\u2019 draws on qualitative evidence gathered in two national evidence sessions led by Creative UK \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other recommendations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commenting on the report, Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said: \u2018For 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 \u2018nice to have\u2019 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\u2019s incredible cultural output generates measurable gains in productivity, health and tax revenue. Concerts, plays, exhibitions \u2013 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.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n