The latest report highlights the dominance of Northern cities in creative funding across England.
- Manchester emerges as the top city for creative investment outside London, with substantial funding per capita.
- Leeds, Newcastle, and Sheffield also rank high in the creative funding index, reflecting strong regional support.
- Despite these successes, funding disparities remain a challenge, notably affecting Preston and other smaller cities.
- The report underscores the growth potential in the creative sector, calling for further attention to underserved areas.
A recent study has revealed that Northern cities are at the forefront of creative funding in England, with Manchester leading outside the capital. Manchester has been identified as the best-funded city for creatives, boasting a spend of £52,000 for every 10,000 residents. This positions the city as a cultural hub, supporting various museums, galleries, and creative businesses. The arrival of Factory International, a major arts and culture destination, further solidifies Manchester’s status.
Manchester’s Cultural Partnerships Grant program, established in 2011, plays a crucial role in boosting local businesses. It offers grants of up to £40,000 annually, the highest among the cities analyzed. Leeds follows closely in the rankings, with over £28 million invested, resulting in a spend of over £53,000 for every 10,000 residents.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Sheffield also make it to the top four. Sheffield offers significant funding opportunities through its Cultural Pipeline Fund, with maximum amounts reaching up to £50,000 for arts and cultural organizations.
However, not all regions fare well. Preston ranks at the bottom, spending less than half per capita compared to Manchester, at £24,000 for every 10,000 residents. This translates to just over £2 per individual. Similarly, Rochdale and other cities like Hull and Stoke-on-Trent also see insufficient funding, limiting their potential for creative growth.
Lewis Wilks, Creative Director at Berlew, commented, “Cities like Manchester are leading the way in supporting creative growth, with per capita funding that’s clearly helping local artists, businesses, and cultural hubs. However, the significant funding disparities across cities also highlight where vital grassroots support is still lacking – especially in smaller communities.”
The report, produced by Berlew, assessed funding from Arts Council England and local councils across the 2023-2026 periods, focusing on the impact of arts spending per capita. The findings point to a need for more equitable funding to foster creativity nationwide and bolster local economies.
The report serves as a call to action for addressing funding imbalances, promoting equitable creative growth across all regions.
