A more comprehensive approach is needed to stimulate the UK economy as the link between low cultural participation and deprivation becomes ever clearer. This is the main message of a recent report by Key Cities – a national network founded a decade ago, representing 27 tier two and tertiary urban centers across the UK, such as Bath, Hull and Reading.
The new research, carried out in partnership with Arts Council England, reports new data on cultural engagement (among these cities) with their scores on the NSO Index of Multiple Deprivation. The results show a clear relationship between cities with limited cultural offer and high socioeconomic deprivation.
By looking in detail at what culture means for the 27 cities mentioned above, and how that translates into public funding programmes, the new report highlights the role of culture in strengthening local economies.
More specifically, it recommends investing £100m in creative industry micro-clusters that will spread economic growth and opportunity more evenly across the country, and urges a renewed drive for devolution of local superpowers to connect policy agendas and empower communities.
“[The report] It shows unequivocally that culturally engaged communities work best – not only by bringing people together, but also by creating a positive social and economic legacy.”
“As we look to uplift communities across the country, we hope the UK Government will see the role culture can play in reimagining and rejuvenating our towns and cities – but to do so this mandate must go further and deeper. We urge those in Westminster to empower local authorities So that they can better serve their communities.”
City leaders and councils are already in a better position to drive positive change within their communities, whether through improving local services, facilitating partnerships or working with other stakeholders. Funding is crucial, but giving them the power to catalyze their own initiatives is key to ensuring their long-term success.
The new report also recommended that the government implement long-term programs for essential cultural services such as more (and better) support for free public libraries.
Arts Council England, the national development agency for creativity and culture, has set out to invest more than £440m of public funds between 2023 and 2026.
