Arts and culture ‘downgraded’ in ministerial restructure

Arts and culture have been separated from the creative industries in a restructure of ministerial responsibilities at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), in a move criticised as ‘downgrading’ the importance of the arts and the creative industries.

Former Culture and Digital Minister Matt Hancock’s remit is slimmed to Digital, encompassing the creative industries, broadcasting and media, while arts and culture will now fall alongside heritage and tourism under the remit of Salisbury MP and first-time Minister John Glen.

Glen, who has come under fire for not supporting gay rights, will also take responsibility for public libraries, museums and the National Archives.

The changes were criticised by the Creative Industries Federation. A spokesperson said: “The new ministerial titles and job descriptions at DCMS appear to downgrade the importance of the arts and creative industries and send a wrong signal about their importance.

“The creative industries are the fastest growing sector of the economy. The sector is generating jobs at three times the rate of employment in general.”

The spokesperson continued: “In terms of Britain’s global renown in the creative sector, there is no distinction between the publicly supported arts and commercial business.

“Policy-making should recognise that. Billions of pounds of revenues and our international success is built on both.”

It remains unclear what the changes will mean for the arts and culture in wider government policy, such as the upcoming industrial strategy, which cabinet ministers promised to put creative industries “at the heart” of.

According to Glen’s Twitter, the MP has had a “busy first day” as Arts Minister and spent time at the Science Museum and the Young Vic.

Great meeting with @ace_national Nick Serota & @HenleyDarren – we'll be working closely to ensure our world-beating arts are open to all

— John Glen MP (@JohnGlenUK) June 15, 2017

Karen Bradley remains Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Arts Council England declined to comment on whether it was concerned about the separation of arts and culture from the creative industries.

The DCMS failed to comment by the time of publication.