The UK government has confirmed a £1.5bn funding package for arts and cultural organisations over the next five years, covering 2025 to 2030. As a result, museums, galleries and heritage bodies across the UK will receive sustained financial support.

Ministers said the decision marks a turning point after years of pressure on cultural budgets. Moreover, the funding will flow through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and related public bodies. At the same time, the government said the package aims to stabilise institutions facing rising costs.

🏛️ Detailed Funding Allocations

The funding package includes several confirmed allocations. Therefore, different parts of the sector will receive targeted support.

Key allocations include:

• £600m for national museums and DCMS-funded cultural organisations
• £160m for regional and local museums, mainly for repairs and maintenance
• A 5% uplift next year for Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations
• £230m for heritage projects, including £75m for sites officially listed as at risk

Consequently, the funding addresses both operational needs and long-term preservation.

🖼️ Sector Leaders Welcome the Announcement

Cultural leaders responded positively to the funding news. Antony Gormley said he welcomed the government’s decision to provide meaningful financial support for the arts.

Meanwhile, Jenny Waldman, director of The Art Fund, said sustained funding remains vital. She explained that museums rely on stable budgets to care for collections and maintain public access. In addition, she noted the importance of protecting cultural assets for future generations.

🧱 Support From Regional Museums

Leaders from regional institutions also welcomed the announcement. Sharon Heal, director of the Museums Association, said local museums need consistent funding to survive ongoing financial pressures.

In addition:

• Tony Butler, executive director of Derby Museums, said the funding supports building repairs and long-term transformation
• Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said the investment helps safeguard shared heritage and collections

As a result, regional museums expect greater financial certainty.

📊 Audit Office Raises Budget Concerns

At the same time, the UK National Audit Office has highlighted concerns about DCMS spending. The watchdog reported that the department underspent its budgets in recent years. However, it also warned that DCMS could still face a real-terms funding decline during the same five-year period.

Therefore, while the funding announcement offers reassurance, financial pressures remain part of the wider picture.