Staunton and Colman call for urgent funding for the arts after 16% drop
The Guardian|June 13, 2024
Imelda Staunton and Olivia Colman have called on all political parties to urgently invest in the arts as research by Equity suggested funding in the UK has dropped by 16% since 2017.
Nadia Khomami
Staunton and Colman call for urgent funding for the arts after 16% drop

The research, commissioned by the performing arts union and carried out by the Autonomy Institute, drew on funding data from the Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Creative Scotland over the past decade.

Since 2017, average annual real-terms funding in England dropped by 11%, in Wales 30%, and in Northern Ireland 16%, according to the figures. It increased in Scotland by 2%.

Staunton said: "We're living in a golden age of drama, especially on streaming platforms, thanks to the exceptional ability of the UK arts workforce to bring world-class storytelling to global audiences.

"But too many places in the UK have been left without arts funding, performers depriving audiences and alike." The Bafta and Olivier award-winning actor, who has starred in Vera Drake, Harry Potter and The Crown, added: "With proper funding, there is no limit to the potential for the arts to inspire and entertain, encouraging both human creativity and economic benefits.

This story is from the June 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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This story is from the June 13, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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