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To secure the future of London’s arts scene we need locals, not just tourists, at our exhibitions. Businesses can help make this happen, writes Austin Casey
The government’s announcement of the £270m Arts Everywhere Fund is a crucial boost for the UK’s creative industries, providing relief for struggling arts organisations and galleries, as well as ensuring the inclusion of arts and culture on the school curriculum. This funding is particularly welcome given the stark reality that some London boroughs have among the lowest cultural engagement levels in the country.
Research from the new Arts for All report, part-funded by the Culture Mile BID, reveals that parts of London, including areas like Barking and Dagenham, have some of the lowest level of engagement nationwide, despite London’s creative industries being the city’s third-largest export. This disparity stems from several factors: years of underfunding, the systematic removal of culture from school curriculums and a prevailing perception that London’s cultural offering caters more to tourists than to its residents. Importantly, the report highlights the strong appetite among Londoners from diverse backgrounds to engage with culture, yet the issues previously stated and barriers such as admission costs, travel expenses and safety concerns often prevent participation.
Culture is not just an asset, it is infrastructure. It fuels the economy, contributing £126bn annually to the UK’s GDP, and plays a vital role in public health, helping to improve people’s wellbeing to the value of £8bn each year. However, despite its economic and social benefits, accessibility remains a significant challenge. While London’s cultural institutions attract tourists, many residents struggle to engage with and benefit from these resources in their own city.
While government funding is a step in the right direction, sustainable change requires more than public investment. The private sector must support government and help to bridge this gap, ensuring culture is accessible to all Londoners.
As the only BID (business improvement district) in London with culture at its heart, the Culture Mile BID demonstrates how private sector collaboration can drive accessibility, inclusion and long-term cultural investment. BIDs, funded through a business levy, are uniquely positioned to enhance cultural engagement by directing financial resources into initiatives that benefit both businesses and local communities. This model presents a sustainable way to integrate arts into the city’s infrastructure while ensuring that cultural engagement extends beyond traditional institutions.
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