CVAN Opinion Piece: Devolution and a State-Funded Arts System: Local decision making versus centralised agendas.


In the midst of ongoing challenges for the arts sector, devolution and state funding present an opportunity to create a more resilient and equitable cultural ecosystem in the UK. CVAN Contemporary Visual Arts Network is uniquely positioned to advocate for policies that align national strategies with local needs, ensuring the arts sector remains a vital part of our cultural and economic landscape.

The Government’s English Devolution White Paper frames devolution as a mechanism to empower local communities, addressing disparities in growth and opportunity across England. Arts, culture, and heritage are at the heart of this vision, seen as critical drivers for economic development, placemaking, and community cohesion. However, realising this potential requires strategic, long-term investment and collaboration.

Culture and Creative Industries as Drivers of Local Economies

The White Paper highlights how the creative industries foster innovation, create jobs, and attract investment. Bespoke cultural commitments in local devolution deals allow regions to champion their unique strengths. This tailored approach reflects CVAN’s advocacy for localised decision-making that aligns cultural development with regional identity and priorities.

Yet, this cannot succeed in isolation. Central to CVAN’s approach is balancing top-down and localised strategies—ensuring that while local councils are empowered to shape their cultural futures, they are supported by consistent policies and adequate investment.

Place-Based Cultural Strategies

Culture plays a pivotal role in placemaking, helping to regenerate towns and cities, boost tourism, and strengthen civic pride. From heritage assets to creative industries, arts investment is critical to regional economic plans. CVAN highlights leaders like Major Andy Burnham in Manchester as examples of how deep understanding of local needs fosters thriving cultural ecosystems. More leaders must adopt such place-led approaches, prioritising the arts in local decision-making.

Decentralised Funding and Decision-Making

Devolution agreements empower local leaders to direct funding towards cultural priorities. CVAN recognises this as an opportunity to support a broader ecosystem—from freelancers to established organisations—by tailoring funding to art-form-specific and community needs. Yet, as Arts Council England’s Culture and Devolution report underscores, success relies on collaboration between councils, Arms Length Bodies (ALB), and cultural organisations to maximise impact.

Addressing Inequalities Through Culture

The White Paper identifies culture as a cornerstone of the Levelling Up agenda. Arts and heritage initiatives can help address regional inequalities by revitalising underfunded areas, fostering skills development, and boosting local economies. Programmes like Creative People and Places illustrate how targeted ALB investments can transform cultural “cold spots.” CVAN calls for greater funding to expand these initiatives and sustain their impact.

Challenges and Opportunities

The promise of devolution is clear, but challenges remain. Historical disparities in cultural funding must be addressed, ensuring regions with fewer resources receive equitable investment. CVAN advocates for a dual approach: decentralised investment that reflects local needs alongside centralised expertise and national strategies. This combined focus will ensure no region is left behind.

Immediate Action is Needed

The public arts sector is at a breaking point. As CVAN emphasises, stabilising the sector requires urgent and sustained investment—both in devolved powers and arms-length bodies like Arts Council England. A state-funded arts system, guided by consistent policies and place-based strategies, can create the resilience the sector desperately needs.

CVAN’s Call to Action

To realise the potential of devolution:

  1. Increased Investment: Both devolved regions and ALBs require financial support to deliver impactful, long-term programmes.
  2. Equitable Distribution: Addressing historical funding imbalances is key to creating a level playing field.
  3. Strategic Leadership: Collaboration between local authorities, ALBs, and cultural institutions must remain central to regional development.

As highlighted in the Local Government Association’s Culture and Devolution think piece series, success depends on partnerships, investment, and policies that prioritise the arts as a driver of economic and social change.

CVAN stands ready to bridge the gap between devolved regions and national strategies. The time for action is now: devolution and a state-funded system must work hand-in-hand to ensure the arts remain central to the UK’s future.