uk government spends big on arts sector creative time appoints jean cooney as executive director morning links for january 22 2026 1234770482

The UK government has announced a £1.5 billion funding package for the arts, described as the biggest reset for the sector in a generation. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said London-based national museums like the British Museum and National Portrait Gallery will receive £600 million but must extend their reach beyond the capital to serve audiences nationwide. The package includes £425 million for a Creative Foundations Fund, £160 million for local and regional museums, £230 million for heritage, and smaller allocations for libraries and national organizations. Meanwhile, Vienna will temporarily close several composer museums due to culture budget cuts, and Jean Cooney has been appointed executive director of Creative Time.