Cross artform

A probe into Covid loans provided to both the arts and sports sectors will be conducted by the National Audit Office (NAO).

A statement issued by the public spending watchdog said it will produce a report on whether the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is "delivering value for money through its management of the loan book". 

It will examine whether an appropriate and proportionate governance and oversight structure was established to deliver its objectives, whether the loan schemes have been effectively managed so far, and whether the department is well-placed to meet the challenges of managing its loan book in the future and maximise financial returns.

Between July 2020 and March 2022, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) provided around £2.6bn of support for the arts and sports sectors to help them survive the pandemic. Of this, £474m was in the form of repayable loans over a period of up to 20 years.

The NAO said it was the first time that DCMS had managed a significant loan book.

Recipients of loans under the scheme include English National Opera, Historic Royal Palaces, London Theatre Company, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company and Southbank Centre.

More than 100 leading actors, directors and artists have signed a letter calling for voters to end the “political chaos of recent years” by backing Labour.

The letter, published in The Times, said a Labour victory would bring economic stability "so that the creative industries can make secure long-term investments and grow their business”.

Signatories include Director Sir Nicholas Hytner, actress Imelda Staunton and actor Sir Patrick Stewart.

"We want a government that will value the creative industries and put them at the heart of the drive for growth," the letter states. 

"Our industry would benefit from the ambition of a Labour government. That means ensuring a creative education for every child and transforming the apprenticeship levy.

"Labour has shown that it wants to work with every part of the creative industries with a bold and sensible strategy for the creative industries sector."

Businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to pledge commitment to arts and culture in the area by signing up to a creative charter.

Thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter aims to bolster the region’s creative sector.

The charter is a declaration to collaborate with the arts sector for collective good, with no cost or direct financial commitment required to join. By signing, businesses are asked to “unite” to connect with arts organisations and freelancers, “advocate” for Hull and East Yorkshire’s creative sector, “grow” by utilising creative organisations where possible and supporting them financially, and “include” by using their collective voice to create a more equitable future for all involved.

Signatories will be encouraged to work with arts and cultural groups where possible, such as displaying local artwork on their premises, celebrating culture on their social media channels, donating staff time to support events or activities, and offering training course spaces to creatives free of charge.

The charter's founding signatories include Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire City Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, and tourist attraction The Deep.

“The arts sector delivers so much for our region, but it can’t do it all on its own,” said Max May, Chief Officer of cultural partnership HEY Creative, at the launch of the charter.

“Collaborating with the creative sector can spark fresh ideas which unlock growth opportunities and change the way companies approach challenges. We’re fortunate to have a rich and varied cultural scene across the region, and the Creative Charter opens up opportunities for businesses and other organisations to tap into it.”