Election Special: The Future of Arts & Culture in London
In London, the upcoming general election has sparked a series of debates within the Arts & Culture sector. The policies presented by the leading political parties — Labour, Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party— have the potential to change the landscape of arts and culture in the city. As Londoners prepare to vote, the future of museums, theatres, galleries, and independent artists is at a crossroads. EyeOnLondon examines what these manifesto promises mean for the Arts across the city.
Labour Party’s Vision for Arts and Culture
Promises:
Under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party is making a strong commitment to making arts and culture accessible to everyone in London. As stated in their manifesto, Labour claims “arts and music will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few”
They have set out their “creative industries sector plan” as part of an “industrial strategy”. This includes their proposals to support regional museums. The manifesto states: “Labour will improve access to cultural assets by requiring publicly funded national museums and galleries to increase the loans they make from their collections to communities across the country.”
This creative renaissance has a champion in the newly minted Dame Imelda Staunton. The acclaimed actor, honoured by King Charles just this month, has thrown her weight behind Labour’s artistic vision. “I welcome Labour’s proposals set out by Keir Starmer to broaden opportunity and make sure all young people have access to the arts,” Staunton endorses.
Examination:
Labour highlights a “creative industries plan” to democratise arts access, vowing to end its status as “preserve of the privileged few.” However, key questions must be posed: What funding backs that claim? Beyond museum loans, how will they inject participatory cultural activities into underserved communities? While nurturing young creatives is endorsed, where are concrete education pathways for future artists? If deeming creative industries a jobs “engine,” what targeted mechanisms will drive nationwide employment in film, music, gaming? The real test is meaningful grassroots/community investment beyond just museum loans. As their cultural vision shapes up, more nuanced details about funding, implementation and equity will judge if “access for all ” rhetoric becomes real impact.
Read the full Labour Party manifesto here.
Conservative Party’s Approach
Promises:
The Tory manifesto is rallying the troops to defend Britain’s statues and monuments from the culture warriors. Protecting public memorials, even those tangled up in the nation’s colonial legacy, is a clear priority. As the document states: “The Conservative Party will always protect our national heritage—including statues, monuments and memorials. We will keep our ‘retain and explain’ guidance under review to ensure it supports custodians in the preservation of our national history and heritage.”
However, there is no large cash injection to revive the arts sector in the manifesto. Instead, the Conservatives are looking to the private sector to back the arts as their solution. “Government has the power to leverage philanthropy for good causes and cultural institutions,” it states. “We will work with individuals, businesses, charities and other networks to find opportunities to unleash this even further.”
While critics worry about consistency under this model, supporters contend it injects an entrepreneurial spirit into arts patronage. Rather than being beholden solely to public priorities, private philanthropy empowers donors to get creative in supporting their cultural interests and pushing boundaries.
Examination:
The Tories are making a lot of noise about defending heritage monuments, but critics demand concrete funding plans to preserve assets long-term and provide balanced historical context under “retain and explain” guidance, not pushing one narrative. Glaring omissions: no new public funding for cultural institutions, relying on private philanthropy – but will donors favour elite organisations or can entrepreneurial patronage democratise arts funding? Mechanisms to incentivise and equitably distribute support are crucial. Moreover, while rallying heritage “warriors,” where’s the strategy nurturing modern, emerging talent without public investment? With no new arts money, how are systemic accessibility and education deficits tackled? Conservatives must show policies cultivating Britain’s dynamic creative future beyond just protecting statues.
Read the full Conservative Party manifesto here.
Reform Party’s Cultural Policies
Promises:
The Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, is positioning itself as a champion of change, with a laser focus on economic reforms and immigration policies. However, their manifesto named ‘Our Contract with You,’ which assures voters that Reform will “stand up for British culture, identity and values” is noticeably sparse when it comes to specific plans for supporting the arts and cultural sector.
While lowering taxes and reducing bureaucracy could theoretically provide more disposable income for potential arts donors, there is no evidence that the Reform Party itself or its supporters will invest in the arts/cultural sector.
Examination:
This absence of a clear cultural agenda has raised alarm bells among advocates and organisations within the arts community. Fears are mounting that the Reform Party’s austerity policies could devastate smaller arts organisations and independent artists by slashing public funding they survive on. With no clear commitments to protect this sector, the party faces pressure to reassure stakeholders and balance economic revival with safeguarding Britain’s cultural prestige.
Read the full Reform Party manifesto here.
Liberal Democrats: Arts Education and Public Funding
Promises:
The Lib Dems are really doubling down on arts education as a key part of their platform. Their manifesto specifically calls for introducing “a robust arts curriculum for all children from primary school onwards, ensuring children get exposure to a wide range of creative disciplines like music, drama, dance, visual arts and more.
Criticising the Conservatives over Brexit’s ‘detrimental’ impact on cultural ties with Europe, the Lib Dems argue the Tories’ deal has erected bureaucratic hurdles that make it extremely difficult for British artists and performers to tour and collaborate across the continent. The party condemns these newfound obstacles confronting the creative sector’s ability to engage in cross-border cultural exchange.
Instead, the Lib Dems vow to negotiate “free and simple short-term travel arrangements for UK artists to perform in the EU, and European artists to perform in the UK.” As the document states, this would “reopen vital cultural exchange” between Britain and its continental neighbours.
Examination:
The Lib Dems make claims like a “robust arts curriculum” and easing Brexit touring rules, but key questions must be asked about their substance: What exactly constitutes “robust” standards and funding for creative disciplines? Beyond mobility, how will they nurture the professional arts economy intersecting education, visas, investment? Crucially, have they consulted the sector in shaping these platforms? Big rhetoric around “cultural exchange” and arts education rings hollow without more insightful details – funding, standards, policy mechanisms – to manifest their creative vision.
Read the full Liberal Democrat Party manifesto here.
Green Party’s Cultural Vision
Promises:
In line with the Lib Dems stance on post-Brexit relations, the Green Party manifesto outlines plans to secure visa-free access to the EU for British artists and creatives seeking to work across the continent.
Domestically, the Greens are proposing significant funding boosts for the arts sector. Their manifesto pledges a £5 billion investment over five years to support local museums, theatres, libraries, and art galleries across the country. This financial commitment aims to ensure these cultural institutions remain open and thriving.
Additionally, the Greens have promised to exempt cultural events and activities from VAT. This policy would effectively lower ticket prices for everything from West End shows to local pub gigs, making them more accessible to the public.
Examination:
The Greens’ big arts pledges – £5bn for venues, VAT exemptions – raise key equity and implementation questions: How do funds truly benefit all communities? What’s the roadmap beyond sustaining institutions to nurturing new creativity, especially underserved areas? Accessibility must extend beyond tickets to transportation, disability, outreach. Their eco-advocacy via “creative projects” needs details. And while allowing visa-free EU access for UK creatives, what’s the plan for attracting international talent and incorporating philanthropy?
Read the full Green Party manifesto here.
Securing London’s position as a world leader in Arts & Culture
London’s arts and culture sector is more than just entertainment; it’s an economic powerhouse. According to the official UK government estimates, the creative industries contributed £124 billion to the UK economy in 2022, generating billions in taxes each year. This sector supports thousands of jobs and attracts millions of tourists, boosting hospitality and retail spending.
Beyond economics, arts and culture are part of London’s social fabric. They give voice to those from different backgrounds, bridging the gap between communities, and bringing people together through creativity. Cultural activities also contribute to mental well-being, offering spaces for relaxation and inspiration.
Despite its significance, the arts sector faces challenges like funding cuts, Brexit’s impact on international collaborations, and the pandemic’s devastating effects. However, beyond these obstacles come exciting opportunities to adapt and grow stronger. For example, artists and organisations can embrace the digital era to create and share their work in innovative ways.
As Londoners head to the polls, the future of the city’s arts and culture sector hangs in the balance. Political parties offer various visions for supporting and enhancing this vital part of London’s identity, whether through increased public funding, private investment, or sustainable practices.
The choices made today will shape London’s cultural legacy for generations to come.
