SUMMARY BY MARK WILLIAMS, HOLBA 

London has long been a beacon of arts and culture, a vibrant hub where creativity meets commerce. Recognising this, discussions amongst the Cultural Expert Panel focused on the role of culture in fostering inclusive growth and how London’s cultural sector could evolve as a transformative force for the city. 

This evolution has the potential to drive innovation, inclusivity, and economic prosperity, not only for the capital but also for the entire country.

The culture-economy connection
To commence the session, the group highlighted the deep ties between culture and the economy. Two pivotal trends emerged:

The multiplier effect of the culture economy was noted, with the observation that every job created within a cultural institution has the potential to generate additional jobs in the wider economy. 

Harnessing culture for inclusive growth
Inclusive growth emerged as a central theme. One example was given of the music scene in Brixton. The increasing number of music concerts in the area boosted profits for nearby licensed venues and increased the number of staff on shift. This example illustrates the ripple effect cultural events can have on local economies. It was emphasised that we need to nurture the entire cultural supply chain, from emerging talent to established institutions.

The group also considered lessons from Paris, where private funding has transformed cultural spaces. Could similar investments catalyse inclusive cultural hubs in London’s West End and beyond? The consensus was clear: inclusive growth requires both systemic support and grassroots initiatives.  

Cultural beyond barriers
The panel further identified three key gaps that act as barriers to London's cultural landscape:

V&A East’s community-first approach was highlighted as an exemplar, emphasising the importance of creating cultural spaces that are welcoming to all. Venues need to address both physical and mental "threshold anxieties" that deter individuals from engaging with cultural institutions.  

The development of flexible "third spaces" within museums and cultural venues was advocated for. These adaptable areas are designed to serve multiple purposes, attracting diverse audiences who might not typically engage with traditional museum settings. The panel underscored the importance of supporting the entire cultural ecosystem, calling for prioritising infrastructure such as rehearsal studios and affordable living spaces for artists, rather than focusing exclusively on larger, well-established institutions.  

 

Defining the value of culture and pathways to action
The panel agreed that there is a need to redefine and articulate what culture means in different contexts. The panel called for a universal definition that aligns with community health, education, and economic priorities. They also flagged three critical gaps in London's cultural landscape: inclusivity, competitiveness, and affordability. 

Embedding cultural priorities directly into the London Plan to ensure they are integral to city policy was proposed, including a unified mapping of responsibilities for cultural delivery, enabling clarity in how different organisations contribute to London’s cultural ecosystem. Establishing a centralised professional membership body for culture, akin to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for architecture, was suggested, which would aim to champion cultural advocacy, set standards, and serve as a hub for resources and collaboration.

Looking ahead 
As the discussions concluded, one key takeaway emerged: the need for a clear, actionable strategy to define and map cultural infrastructure across London. By integrating cultural priorities into policies, London’s cultural sector can continue to thrive as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience.