The Impact of Arts, Culture in the UK

The UK’s creative industries are driving economic growth and improving public health, contributing £126 billion to the economy in 2022.

At a Glance

Creative industries contributed £126bn to the UK economy and employed 2.4 million people in 2022.
The Government published ‘Creative industries sector vision’ with £77mn additional funding.
Arts engagement is linked to reduced depression, pain, and improved quality of life, per research.
Reports indicate arts investment is valuable for both health and economic reasons.

Economic Impact of Creative Industries

The UK’s creative industries have emerged as a powerhouse of economic growth, outpacing the wider economy from 2010 to 2019. In 2022, these industries contributed a staggering £126 billion in gross value added to the UK economy and employed 2.4 million people. The sector is divided into nine sub-sectors, with IT, software, and computer services leading the pack, generating £55.4 billion in gross value added in 2022.

Recognizing the sector’s importance, the UK government published a ‘Creative industries sector vision’ in June 2023, committing an additional £77 million in funding. This move aims to further boost the already thriving creative economy, which has shown remarkable resilience and growth. The UK’s position as a major exporter of creative services and goods, ranking fifth and seventh globally respectively, underscores the sector’s international competitiveness.

"Consuming arts and culture is good for health and wellbeing, research finds" – Engaging with arts improves quality of life, increases productivity and creates financial ‘dividend’. Read more below:https://t.co/ikCd519ja4 #Arts #Culture #UKculture #UKArt #Health #Wellbeing

— Night Time Industries Association (@wearethentia) December 17, 2024

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

Beyond its economic contributions, the arts sector appears to be linked to better health and wellbeing. Recent research has quantified the impact of arts and heritage on physical and mental health, estimating an annual benefit of £8 billion to the UK. This significant figure underscores the vital role that cultural engagement plays in our society, extending far beyond mere entertainment.

“Engagement with performance-based art such as plays, musicals and ballet, and particularly participation in music, is linked to reductions in depression and in pain and improved quality of life,” Matthew Bell of Frontier Economics stated.

Participation in cultural activities has been shown to alleviate pain, depression, and reduce dependence on medication. Moreover, arts engagement supports cognitive development, reduces symptoms of mental illness, and enhances overall wellbeing through neurological and physiological pathways. Research shows these benefits extend across various demographic groups, with notable improvements in wellbeing observed among over-65s and young adults.

Economic Value of Cultural Engagement

The economic value of cultural engagement is substantial, with research indicating that it provides an average individual benefit of £1,000 annually. The majority of the £8 billion in societal benefits comes from improved quality of life, with the remainder attributed to increased work productivity. This dual impact on personal wellbeing and economic output highlights the interconnected nature of arts, health, and the economy.

The government’s recognition of the creative industries’ importance is evident in its commitment to grow creative clusters, build a skilled workforce, and maximize the positive impact of these industries by 2030. Additional funding has been allocated for various creative initiatives, including music education and live music venues, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to fostering growth in this vital sector.

Conclusion

The UK’s creative industries stand as a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving both economic growth and public health. This suggests that investment in these sectors is not just economically prudent but also beneficial for the wellbeing of society. The research underscores the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, not just for its intrinsic value, but for its tangible benefits to physical and mental health.