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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help improve access to arts and culture for young people in Lincolnshire.

Answer

The Government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people can access high-quality arts and culture.

Between 2023/24 and 2025/26, Arts Council England invested over £14.6 million in arts organisations and projects across Lincolnshire, including almost £11 million supporting children and young people. This funding supports organisations such as Zest Theatre, an National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) receiving £192,043 per year, whose work centres around providing youth-led theatre, youth spaces, and public art for young people aged 25 and under; and Box Clever Theatre, another NPO receiving £85,352 per year and specialising in writing and producing theatre for young audiences in schools.

Nationally, the Government is also committed to revitalising arts education through a reformed curriculum and support for teachers, including via the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, due to be established by September 2026.

To increase access to enrichment opportunities across culture, sport, and wider youth sectors for disadvantaged young people, the Every Child Can programme, backed by £132.5 million in dormant assets through the National Lottery Community Fund, will fund activities within schools and in communities, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15915
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Access Culture Lincolnshire Young people
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk