The Local Government Association has published seven original articles from leading policy thinkers exploring the future of local publicly funded cultural services and devolution, to coincide with the start of the annual LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport conference.

Following on from the publication of Cornerstones of Culture, the final report of the LGA’s Commission on Culture and Local Government, this will be the first instalment of a series of think pieces tackling issues around cultural devolution, data and evidence, community empowerment, cultural infrastructure and funding. 

Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board said: 

“The environment for cultural services is going to remain a challenging one as councils continue to experience significant pressure to their budgets. We need to gather perspectives from within and without the cultural sector to create new thinking on the opportunities to sustain local cultural provision. 

“We cannot afford to be divided – only by working together as a sector to ensure our shared investment and resources go as far as possible will we be able to protect our vital cultural infrastructure.  National, regional and local government and funding bodies will need to work together with their communities in establishing a sustainable future for local culture. This is why I’m delighted that we are launching a new series of think pieces on the future of local, publicly funded cultural services here today.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England said: 

“I welcome this set of think pieces as an important contribution to our shared thinking about the future.  The Arts Council will work positively with those places that have received devolution, and, as a national agency we will continue our work with local authorities across the country, including those where there is no devolution deal nor a combined authority. We look forward to being part of the conversation as we move forward.”

Lord Neil Mendoza, Chair of Historic England said: 

“As DCMS Commissioner for Culture, I saw first-hand the importance culture has in the UK and how the heritage and culture sectors thrive through collective action and the power of collaboration – together, and with people and places. Creativity, culture and heritage go hand in hand to foster pride in place, connect communities and boost economic growth for vibrant places. 

“Therefore, devolution represents a significant opportunity for local culture and local communities. It represents a chance for more targeted support for places which have been starved of cultural investment and it allows investment to be shaped in ways that better reflect local need. “