Durham's Lumiere festival, which filled the city's streets with light and art every two years, has finally come to an end. The event, which was a beacon of hope and togetherness in a region plagued by poverty and inequality, is now nothing more than a memory.
The festival, which brought together over 250 artists from around the world, reached more than 1.3 million people and generated £43m for the local economy. It also involved nearly 14,000 people in community projects, proving that art can be a powerful tool for bringing communities together.
However, as we head towards the autumn budget on November 26, it is clear that the arts sector is crumbling. The government has cut bursaries to trainee teachers in humanities subjects and has failed to provide significant funding for arts organizations.
Industry bodies and campaigners are warning that without targeted investment, many organizations will not survive the next financial year. Business rates relief for cultural buildings is due to end, and local authorities face further real-terms cuts.
Meanwhile, UK Research and Innovation spends less than 2% of its budget on the arts and humanities, while trusts and foundations around the country are closing or turning away new arts applicants. The government has found £400m for "grassroots facilities" but is unable to find the same level of funding for arts projects.
The truth is that there is no political party that will commit to investing in arts and culture on a significant scale. The fault lies not with any one party, but with the broader cultural landscape, which has failed to convince politicians and the Treasury that art is not a luxury but a public service.
However, local authorities like Durham have shown that they understand the value of art and its ability to bring communities together. They have come up with innovative solutions to support arts projects, and people in the city have been quick to respond to these efforts.
So what does the future hold for the UK's cultural landscape? Will we continue to prioritize sports events over arts initiatives? Will we find a way to make art accessible to everyone?
The answer is not clear yet, but one thing is certain: without significant investment and support, many arts organizations will struggle to survive. The question is, what kind of culture do we want to build in the UK – one that values imagination, creativity, and community, or one that prioritizes sports and economic growth above all else?
The festival, which brought together over 250 artists from around the world, reached more than 1.3 million people and generated £43m for the local economy. It also involved nearly 14,000 people in community projects, proving that art can be a powerful tool for bringing communities together.
However, as we head towards the autumn budget on November 26, it is clear that the arts sector is crumbling. The government has cut bursaries to trainee teachers in humanities subjects and has failed to provide significant funding for arts organizations.
Industry bodies and campaigners are warning that without targeted investment, many organizations will not survive the next financial year. Business rates relief for cultural buildings is due to end, and local authorities face further real-terms cuts.
Meanwhile, UK Research and Innovation spends less than 2% of its budget on the arts and humanities, while trusts and foundations around the country are closing or turning away new arts applicants. The government has found £400m for "grassroots facilities" but is unable to find the same level of funding for arts projects.
The truth is that there is no political party that will commit to investing in arts and culture on a significant scale. The fault lies not with any one party, but with the broader cultural landscape, which has failed to convince politicians and the Treasury that art is not a luxury but a public service.
However, local authorities like Durham have shown that they understand the value of art and its ability to bring communities together. They have come up with innovative solutions to support arts projects, and people in the city have been quick to respond to these efforts.
So what does the future hold for the UK's cultural landscape? Will we continue to prioritize sports events over arts initiatives? Will we find a way to make art accessible to everyone?
The answer is not clear yet, but one thing is certain: without significant investment and support, many arts organizations will struggle to survive. The question is, what kind of culture do we want to build in the UK – one that values imagination, creativity, and community, or one that prioritizes sports and economic growth above all else?
I'm really sad about Lumiere festival ending its run 
it was such a highlight of Durham's year. I think what really got me is how the arts sector is struggling across the UK - it feels like governments don't see the value in arts & culture beyond being just a 'nice to have'. Business rates relief for cultural buildings is due to end, and local authorities are getting hit with more cuts 
that's when you realize the impact on community projects and artists who rely on these initiatives for their livelihood. I'm not sure what the future holds but as a retiree, I've seen my share of good & bad times - one thing is clear: arts & culture have a way of bringing people together & fostering creativity 
we just need to keep pushing for that and hope our leaders listen 
the uk's cultural landscape needs a serious revamp 
arts initiatives are being cut left & right but the benefits of art in bringing communities together aren't going anywhere 
it's not about finding 'the perfect' party to fund the arts, it's about finding people who get that art is a public service 
we need more local authorities like durham showing us what's possible when we prioritize creativity & community over profits 
, it needs $$ 
. Can't keep relying on festivals as a lifeline for struggling orgs 
.
the government just needs to step up its game already! £400m for "grassroots facilities" is a joke. can't they see how crucial arts are for a country's soul? it's not like we're asking for a fortune here, just a fraction of what they're pumping into sports events and other corporate interests 
plus the fact that they have to keep repeating the same budget promises every year is just lazy... what about some real planning and commitment? the UK doesn't need more excuses to neglect its arts scene 
it's a shame to see such an amazing festival come to an end without any concrete plans for its future. I think the government is just feeling the pressure of having to make tough budget cuts everywhere 
. But seriously, £400m for grassroots facilities yet £0 for actual art projects? it's like they're trying to save the community centers but forget about the people who need them most 
. The city of Durham definitely showed us that arts can bring people together though 
...and now it's like arts are taking a backseat? 
it's not like there isn't funding, it's just that no one seems willing to commit to making art a priority 
...we need to find ways to make art accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it 
durham was so lucky to have it bringin people together & creatin a sense of community. but like i said in my last post, the gov is all about prioritizin sports events & economic growth 4Ever 
. we need 2 make art accessible 2 EVERYONE, not just some rich ppl who can afford it 
i know durham's lumiere fest was amazing 
and brings in $$$ $$
need more funding for arts orgs & cultural buildings 
local authorities doing it right though 
keep supporting community projects & arts initiatives 
. Can't believe they're cutting bursaries for trainee teachers and arts orgs are getting left high and dry 
What about all those grassroots initiatives that people like Durham have shown can make a difference? It's not just about throwing money at the problem, it's about finding creative solutions and supporting local arts orgs.
. Otherwise we're gonna lose the things that make us human, you know? 
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. We just need someone at the top to take notice and say, "Hey, this is important too!" 
it's a shame that funding for arts is being cut again. i think durham's lumiere festival was a great example of how art can bring people together. 
. I mean, £43m for the local economy is not bad at all 
.
. Art has a way of bringing people together and making us feel less alone