Ministers are considering charging international tourists to access permanent collections at national museums as part of efforts to improve arts funding.
Funding Options Under Review
The government has indicated a require for long-term funding options for the arts sector, responding to a review of Arts Council England, the body responsible for distributing public funding to the arts. A hotel levy is among the policies currently being consulted on.
However, Alison Cole, director of the Cultural Policy Unit thinktank, stated that charging international tourists would be a “very bad idea,” suggesting a hotel levy as a preferable alternative.
Previous Considerations and Public Support
The Treasury previously considered ending free entry to museums and galleries as part of spending cuts planned for November 2025, but these plans were abandoned following opposition from culture ministers. Research from Art Fund shows that 72% of the public supports a tourist levy to subsidize free entry to national museums.
Arts Council England Reforms
The proposals follow recommendations made in December by Margaret Hodge in her review of Arts Council England. Hodge urged ministers to protect funding from political influence and streamline application processes. The government agreed with Hodge’s assessment that the Arts Council should be “strong, politically impartial and independent.”
To that end, £8 million will be allocated to simplify application processes and a move away from a “one size fits all” strategy is endorsed. The government also plans to target a new fund at creatives with “fewer opportunities” and improve arts education in schools.
Hodge’s review was prompted in part by Arts Council England’s decision to relocate the English National Opera to Manchester as part of its “levelling up” strategy, a move described as a “raw experience” by those involved.
Future Steps
Arts Council England will work to turn into a “simpler and easier organisation to deal with” over the next six months. The organization will also explore new funding methods, including commercial investment with reinvested profits, tax breaks, and philanthropy. It will also seek closer engagement with citizens to understand local arts needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being proposed to fund the arts?
Ministers are considering charging international tourists to access national museum collections, alongside exploring options like a hotel levy.
What did Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England recommend?
Hodge recommended protecting funding from politicisation and removing red tape from application processes.
What is Arts Council England planning to do differently?
Arts Council England will streamline its application processes, explore new funding models, and work more closely with citizens to understand their needs.
How might these changes affect access to arts and culture in the UK?
