In addition to the support, the government has also launched a new UK Soft Power Council to build trust and drive economic growth
The UK government has announced a £60 million funding package to boost the creative industries.
Hundreds of businesses and projects will receive funding as part of the first stage of the government’s Sector Plan, aiming to boost growth under its Industrial Strategy programme.
Supported by the British Business Bank, the funding aims to drive growth across the sector, with a planned £40 million investment into start-up video game studios, music and film exports and creative businesses outside London.
Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said, “Our £60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.”
The North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midland, Greater London, West of England, South Wales, Glasgow, Edinburgh-Dundee corridor and Belfast regions have been identified as priorities for the creative industries.
Commenting on the announcements, Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive said, “This support from Government means the UK can continue making globally successful film, television and screen content, contributing to our wider creative industries, the growth of the UK economy and creating jobs across the country. Supporting the UK Global Screen Fund has led to over 50 UK international co-productions and backed UK screen companies to thrive internationally.”
Nandy has also jointly announced the creation of the UK Soft Power Council with David Lammy, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Recognising the importance of UK cultural soft power, the council aims to identify sector opportunities where broader growth and security objectives can be advanced, said the government.
“Soft power is fundamental to the UK’s impact and reputation around the world,” said Lammy. “I am often struck by the enormous love and respect which our music, sport and educational institutions generate on every continent. But we have not taken a sufficiently strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.
“That is why I have created the Soft Power Council to channel British expertise as we look to re-imagine Britain’s role on the world stage, reinvigorate alliances and forge new partnerships.”
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