How will a Labour Government change UK arts funding?

On March 14^th 2024, the Labour Party launched their manifesto dedicated to revamping the arts scene in the UK. Their aim is to combat the decline in the education of arts, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic, through the introduction of new policies and a re-allocation of funds that will be beneficial to this restoration in the long term. What are some of the ways the Labour government intend to do this?

The manifesto contained the inclusion of one of the non-EBacc subjects in a student’s Progress 8 to be a creative or a vocational subject. They also want to introduce the National Music Education Network which is to serve as a so-called ‘landing point’ for parents, carers and teachers. Reportedly, the education of the arts is in a state of crisis in the UK, with a 47% decline in enrolment at GCSEs and 29% at A-level since 2010. This early focus will impact future generations by nurturing engagement consistently in the arts by allowing young students to explore their creative skills through varied outlets.

There is a push towards sustainability for arts organisations by collaborating with numerous creative sectors such as the Creative Industries Council, Arts Councils and many other public funders, investors and donors. This will result in the creation of a private finance models to attract more funding from different sources to ensure its viability. The art industry is habitually and systematically exploited because of their low wages. In addition, fewer people choose to study an art-based degree due to them being viewed as inferior in comparison to other subjects. By giving this better financial support, they will become more sought after in the future and there will be less job uncertainty.

Labour government plan on making sure that the BBC and other public service broadcasters are investing in companies that have worldwide creative output, which will continue to inform many people globally. Keir Starmer emphasised a shift in mindset, how “creative skills won’t be treated as a luxury, but as a necessity” which shows a new perspective regarding the value of the arts.

In essence, the Labour government’s aim is increasing the arts industry longevity through greater financial support and educational reform. Through targeting youth in a widened scheme, it will foster their creativity and interest in pursuing a career in the arts. Furthermore, an arts education won’t be considered a privilege to the knowledge of culture, leading to it being a much more inclusive sphere. Since the Labour Party’s electoral win in July 2024, they have reinstated their promise to execute these plans. As of today, there have not been any significant changes made with the funding, but these are said to come periodically over time.