Culture and the arts

Arts and culture is a cornerstone in the UK’s global influence and soft power but creative industries have been badly impacted in the aftermath of Brexit. As the government pursues new international trade deals, the UK Trade and Business Commission took evidence on the current economic challenges facing the creative sectors and what is required in future trade deals to ensure the UK's cultural sector thrives. 

This session analysed the UK’s culture and art sector from a range of perspectives. The committee heard from seven expert witnesses about the significant contribution of these sectors to the UK economy as well as the threats it faces with difficult economic times ahead.

Witnesses highlighted that the sector has a vital part to play in how the UK presents itself internationally. The session explored how the broader economic effects are impacting the UK’s culture sector and considered how the sector can be benefitted by global economic cooperation. Witnesses asked the Government to recognise how the sector can also be a driver for the UK to work with and trade with other nations.