As the UK reflects on the government’s plans for investment through the comprehensive spending review, it is imperative that the government recognises the national importance and strategic value of the visual arts and our visual artists. As made clear in the Framing the Future report – supported by our organisations and the APPG for Visual Arts and Artists – targeted public investment in the visual arts will not only safeguard the future of our artists and cultural institutions, but will enhance placemaking and regeneration (1), improve wellbeing (2) and provide economic returns on investment (3).
The visual arts are a part of every community – from the youngest children learning to draw in classrooms, to local galleries revitalising high streets, to artists representing Britain on the international stage in museums, art fairs and biennales. The sector directly contributes to the UK’s creative industries, which collectively generate over £125 billion a year.
Yet despite the central role the visual arts play in our lives, artists’ incomes have declined drastically since 2010, and arts organisations are struggling to remain open. Falling remuneration, rising studio rents and material costs, and a reduction in opportunities to develop and exhibit work has made it harder than ever to maintain a career as an artist. Without reversing this decline, there is a real risk that the diversity of talent that has underpinned our world-leading visual arts sector, is lost. Many visual arts organisations across the UK are fighting to remain viable due to reduced funding and increased operating costs. These organisations are central to community pride, cohesion and wellbeing (4).
When deciding on spending, policymakers face complex choices. The £130m of investment announced today is welcome news across the arts and culture sectors. But further, targeted investment in the visual arts can support the government in achieving multiple aims and its broader priorities. The visual arts sector is proven to support:
- Mental health and wellbeing, reducing pressure on NHS services
- Skills development and creative education, essential for the future workforce
- Place-making, by regenerating towns and supporting civic identity
- Trade and soft power, through the UK’s leading position in the global art market
To secure these outcomes, we are calling for the government to think differently. To adapt and recognise the economic, cultural and social power of the UKs visual arts and artists.
In a time of fiscal pressure, we know that every pound of public money must work harder. That’s why the Framing the Future report proposes a roadmap for cost-effective, targeted government investment now, alongside funding models, such as improving the collective licensing possibilities for visual artists and creators when their works are used by AI or downloaded onto digital devices. It’s time to be innovative and harness the power of our creators and creative industries, to support health, wellbeing, regeneration, economic growth and soft power.
Framing the Future shows how the government can achieve this – they must now take the opportunity.
Christian Zimmermann, CEO, DACS
Julie Lomax, CEO, a-n The Artists Information Company
Paula Orrell, National Director, CVAN (Contemporary Visual Arts Network England)
References
- Erskine Analysis, Framing the Future (2025), p16.
- Culture and Heritage Capital: Monetising the Impact of Culture and Heritage on Health and Wellbeing’. Frontier Economics for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 12 November 2024.
- Erskine Analysis, Framing the Future (2025), p16.
- Howcroft, Michael, Nicky Marsh, and Joseph Owen. ‘Levelling Up, Affective Governance and Tensions within “Pride in Place”’. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 31 July 2024
Top image: Artist Duncan Wylie in his studio at Acme Propeller Factory. Photograph by Matt Crossick.
