NORTHERN CULTURE UNTAPPED: LAUNCH OF NEW INQUIRY
AN INQUIRY INTO THE NORTH’S GREAT CULTURAL CAPITAL
Breaking down barriers to growth
How do we TURBOCHARGE the North’s great Cultural Economy?
Today, the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group (NCAPPG) launches its call for evidence to examine how best to un-tap the North’s full cultural capital.
The Northern Culture Untapped Inquiry is about changing the mindset and making the case that the North's cultural capital needs to be harnessed to power up growth, boost innovation, tourism, community cohesion and identity.
The Inquiry will gather written and oral evidence that seek to address four main themes:
What is the true value of the north’s cultural capital?
What will untap culture, skills and the talent pipeline?
Should the North’s Mayors have more powers to untap cultural capital?
Is it time to re-imagine how we “do” culture and devolve funding?
The Northern Culture APPG is calling for evidence from all those involved in driving the North’s cultural economy, capital and social value. It wants to hear from Mayors, Combined and local Authorities, Universities, colleges and skills providers, community and grassroots organisations, businesses, trade unions and local, regional and national cultural organisations, industry leaders, creative professionals and local authorities, grassroots groups and infrastructure partners.
The North has such a rich, diverse, and globally recognised cultural brand. From world-class theatres, music venues and festivals to local museums, creative hubs and grassroots arts, the North’s cultural assets are deep rooted and must be untapped if the North’s economy is to thrive.
Together, the North’s untapped potential and cultural capital could deliver real change and unlock a cultural powerhouse. Too often investing in culture can be overlooked by our political leaders as not a priority or fundamental to unlocking economic growth, future prosperity and wellbeing.
Alison Hume MP, Chair of the Northern Culture APPG said:
“Maximising cultural capital is not only an economic force for good, but it is a social driver, opening doors, breaking down barriers, and boosting social mobility. The sector supports over 666,000 jobs nationally and is growing 1.5x faster than the rest of the economy. With the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill promising the biggest shake-up to local government in a generation, and with the prospect of a fully devolved North in sight, there is a clear opportunity to reimagine how the North’s cultural assets are governed, funded and unlocked. The Northern Culture APPG’s Inquiry will examine what the North needs to untap its great cultural capital and work to build cross party collaboration and consensus on how to turbocharge the North’s cultural capital to scale up growth.”
This inquiry will build upon the findings of the Question of Sport and Case for Culture reports.
The deadline for written submission is Friday 24th October, 2025 and dates for oral evidence sessions will commence shortly after.
The inquiry is due to report in the Spring 2026.
Ends
Editors Note
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