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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 November 2025. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Friday, 28 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture: Surrey

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase access to (a) arts and (b) culture in (i) Surrey Heath constituency and (ii) Surrey.

Answer

Arts Council England (ACE) has provided over £11.5 million of funding between 2024 and 2025 to arts and cultural organisations and projects in Surrey. This includes support for projects like The Surrey Youth Arts & Culture Festival, a Surrey County Council partnership led project based in Camberley Library and Camberley Theatre which aims to raise aspirations and break down barriers to engagement for young people accessing creative skills development.

In addition, organisations, such as Farnham Maltings in Surrey are in receipt of over £1.9 million per annum as part of ACE’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme. This NPO offers a wide range of inclusive events, including theatre, dance, crafts, and workshops to people of all ages and backgrounds across the area.

In February, the Secretary of State announced a new £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund. This includes support to museums, arts and music venues across the country and is a critical step that this Government is taking to help create jobs, boost local economies, and expand access to arts and culture for communities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
94337
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Culture Surrey
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk