The arts in the UK: Seeing the big picture

The sector contributes to the UK economy—£49 billion in gross value added in 2022. It also has a positive effect on the lives of people, improving their skills, their wellbeing, and their health. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact the arts can have on conditions such as depression, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Engagement with the arts also enriches the fabric of local communities. Studies have shown that participation in art programmes correlates with reduced levels of criminal behaviour, for example.

This impact depends not only upon the individual efforts of artists and arts organisations but also on an entire arts ecosystem—creators, educators, distributors and promoters, suppliers, funders, and audiences. The health of the ecosystem depends on five connections within it: (1) between different art forms; (2) between for-profit and not-for-profit organisations; (3) between different organisations working in different locations; (4) between arts organisations, local public bodies, and local businesses; and (5) between the arts sector and the broader creative industries.

For the UK arts sector to continue to thrive, all individuals and organisations involved should recognise its dynamics as an ecosystem and look for opportunities to strengthen the connections upon which its health depends.