Insights

Lisa Nandy's recent appointment as culture secretary has raised expectations for a more stable and coherent approach to the challenges facing the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Observers note that the sector has been plagued by instability, and many believe that Nandy's leadership could signal an end to the "revolving door" of previous administrations. The urgent need for a strategic response to the arts and culture sector's issues is underscored by Charlotte Higgins, who highlights the critical problems stemming from chronic underfunding. Currently, only 0.4% of public expenditure is allocated to arts and culture in the UK, a stark contrast to countries like France and Germany, which invest significantly more. This lack of funding has had dire consequences, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis, which have severely impacted the creative industries. In 2018, these industries contributed £111.7 billion to the UK economy, emphasizing that investment in the arts is not merely a subsidy but a vital economic strategy. Nandy has pledged to make culture more inclusive and to engage with communities to foster change. Stakeholders hope she will prioritize listening to industry experts rather than relying on connections within governing bodies. The culture sector unions are eager to contribute ideas, and there is a call for Nandy to consider historical policy frameworks, such as Jennie Lee’s 1965 white paper, alongside contemporary proposals like the TUC's "Making Culture Ours" document, which outlines a strategic vision for revitalizing the sector.