What we discussed at Labour Conference 2024

We participated in Creative UK’s Cultural and Creative Industries Pavilion alongside 40 partners at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Through a series of panel discussions with political and sector leaders, we explored why culture should be central to Labour’s policymaking. We asked decision makers to consider our sector as a key partner that is ready to come up with solutions and play a significant role in driving economic growth, enhancing community wellbeing and supporting local infrastructure.

We highlighted the importance of the UK's 2,500 museums, which play a crucial role in regeneration and place-making by attracting tourism, providing educational opportunities and boosting local economies. Museums like The Box in Plymouth and V&A Dundee were presented as success stories, demonstrating how cultural investment from local and national government can transform local areas and drive external investment. Both museums have generated significant economic and social benefits for their regions through increased tourism, job creation and community engagement.

Alongside Mayor Tracy Brabin and Councillor Harry Doyle, we explored how regions such as West Yorkshire and cities like Liverpool have successfully used culture to address socio-economic disparity and foster community cohesion. Our director, Jenny Waldman, emphasised that funding for the UK’s much-loved public institutions has reached a tipping point that needs to be urgently addressed. Every area of the UK needs a fair, long-term funding settlement to enable local authorities to support and invest in their museums and provide these vital services for generations to come.

Jenny also showcased our Early Years Innovation in Museums programme, Mini Wonders, which aims to reduce inequality by providing access to cultural spaces for young children, and address the early years attainment gap, aligning with Labour's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and provide a better start in life.

Throughout the conference we engaged with the Culture Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy, and the Culture Minister, Chris Bryant, who both spoke about the need to make the arts accessible to all. They cited cultural education and devolution as mechanisms to achieve this.

We will continue to advocate for both immediate and long-term government funding for museums and call for greater recognition of the role cultural institutions play in education. In line with Keir Starmer’s speech where he said, “Early encounters with art and culture change us forever,” Art Fund continues to push for every child to experience a cultural visit each year as part of their education.

Read about our latest policy and advocacy work here.