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Written question asked by Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Friday, 26 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Performing Arts: Training

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact the cost of specialist creative training and auditions has on access to careers in the performing arts.

Answer

Making creative careers accessible is a key priority for this government.

We recognise that specialist creative training can be a popular pathway into a performing arts career, but the Government has not assessed the cost impact for individuals.

Forthcoming research, funded by DCMS and the Creative Policy and Evidence Centre, maps out the current access and demand for specialist creative education provision for 14-19 year olds in England, providing a foundation for future work in this area.

To support access to creative careers we have committed £9 million to a refreshed creative careers service, which breaks down barriers for young people. Additionally the Government recognises 12 World Leading Specialist Providers of Creative and Performing Arts, who in 2025/26 received a share of c.£45 million from DfE's Strategic Priority Grant to support the delivery of world-leading specialist teaching in creative subjects.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13574
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Costs Performing arts Training
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk