The gap between cultural giving in London and the rest of England widened last year.
A survey by Arts and Business revealed that total private sector investment in the sector increased by 7.6% in 2011-12 year, despite the sluggish economy.
But nearly 90% of individual giving, 68% of corporate funding and 73% of trust and foundation support went to London-based institutions.
All three proportions have risen year on year, suggesting that the dominance of London is growing.
The report also highlighted the cultural sector’s increasing reliance on trust and foundations. Their financial support to the cultural sector rose by 15.8% during the 12-month period, with more arts organisations approaching foundations and trusts for funding. But the report warned that this was “potentially unsustainable”.
Philip Spedding, director of Arts and Business, said the rise in private sector and individuals’ support for culture was “a clear testament to a consistent recognition within the business community that their arts partnerships do add value”.
But he added: “Two main concerns arise from the figures. First, the increasing dominance of cultural organisations based in London, in terms of who is raising the most money.
“Second is the increasing reliance by the cultural sector on trust and foundation support.”
Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that this month’s Treasury spending review will result in local authority spending cuts of up to 90% across museums and other non-statutory services.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) warned that the cuts would “severely test” councils across the country.
Aaron Shotton, a councillor for Flintshire and WLGA spokesman for finance and resources, said: “The days of small-scale savings are over. Cuts have already been imposed across a vast array of council services such as public amenities, waste collection, arts, culture and street cleansing.
“What we can expect to see from 2013 onwards is increasing pressure on local councils to cut discretionary funding in service areas that are not protected, in order to cover the mounting costs of statutory services.”
A survey by Arts and Business revealed that total private sector investment in the sector increased by 7.6% in 2011-12 year, despite the sluggish economy.
But nearly 90% of individual giving, 68% of corporate funding and 73% of trust and foundation support went to London-based institutions.
All three proportions have risen year on year, suggesting that the dominance of London is growing.
The report also highlighted the cultural sector’s increasing reliance on trust and foundations. Their financial support to the cultural sector rose by 15.8% during the 12-month period, with more arts organisations approaching foundations and trusts for funding. But the report warned that this was “potentially unsustainable”.
Philip Spedding, director of Arts and Business, said the rise in private sector and individuals’ support for culture was “a clear testament to a consistent recognition within the business community that their arts partnerships do add value”.
But he added: “Two main concerns arise from the figures. First, the increasing dominance of cultural organisations based in London, in terms of who is raising the most money.
“Second is the increasing reliance by the cultural sector on trust and foundation support.”
Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that this month’s Treasury spending review will result in local authority spending cuts of up to 90% across museums and other non-statutory services.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) warned that the cuts would “severely test” councils across the country.
Aaron Shotton, a councillor for Flintshire and WLGA spokesman for finance and resources, said: “The days of small-scale savings are over. Cuts have already been imposed across a vast array of council services such as public amenities, waste collection, arts, culture and street cleansing.
“What we can expect to see from 2013 onwards is increasing pressure on local councils to cut discretionary funding in service areas that are not protected, in order to cover the mounting costs of statutory services.”
- The May issue of Museum Practice looks at how museums can raise more funds from individuals
