To create a better future for the arts, we must invest

Fifteen years ago no one would have expected Britain to be a world leader in culture. But now it is not an exaggeration to say that we have become a nation of art-lovers.

Two-thirds of the adult population enjoy the arts, go to museums and galleries or visit historic sites and, despite the recession, culture is flourishing across the country.

We believe that the cultural sector can help the country's recovery from recession with jobs, training and skills. The cultural sector gives Britain an international edge as an exciting and creative place to live, work and do business.

Nicholas Serota is director of the Tate

It is a sector with a proven track record of regenerating cities and contributing to communities. Liverpool's Year as European
Capital of Culture generated £800 million for the local economy and attracted 27 per cent more visitors to the city.

The economic impact of the 2009 Manchester International Festival was £35.7 million. Fifteen years of public investment in culture has really paid off. Sustained public and lottery support for all aspects of our cultural life has created new buildings, new education programmes, new work, new talent.

We are ready to build on that investment by playing our part in the country's recovery. We are focused on creating a better future. To do that, we must be able to sustain our contribution in the present.

The UK has the largest and fastest growing cultural economy in the world. Culture is a great British success story, which we should celebrate.