Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, has strongly criticised the Government’s Arts Everywhere Fund for failing to support contemporary and countercultural spaces:
“Once again, the government has placed traditional and heritage culture at the forefront while completely ignoring the vital creative spaces that fuel innovation, inspire younger generations, and contribute significantly to our economy. Live music venues, clubs, festivals, and grassroots nightlife are integral to Britain’s cultural identity and international reputation, yet they have been shut out of this funding package.
The ‘Arts Everywhere Fund’ is a misleading title – this funding does not recognise the importance of counterculture or the contemporary arts that keep our cities vibrant. Over £270 million has been pledged to museums, libraries, and heritage institutions, but there is nothing for live music venues, electronic music, festivals, or grassroots nightlife. These spaces are the lifeblood of creativity, driving cultural evolution, attracting tourism, and providing jobs for thousands.
If the government truly wants to cement Britain’s status as a cultural powerhouse, it must support the full spectrum of the arts – not just its most traditional forms. Nightlife and contemporary music are not an afterthought; they are a cornerstone of our creative industries.
Excluding them from this investment is yet another blow to an industry already struggling for survival. If this government is serious about backing culture, it cannot continue to overlook the scenes that make our cities thrive after dark.”
