From the decade I’ve spent working with policy makers I see two things. First, the evidence on the arts more than matches up to the evidence behind many other policy decisions. Second, this is urgent. Even in the time spent writing my book, I’ve seen policy decisions that have involved cutting support and funding for the arts in ways that are already having adverse consequences for health and healthcare systems.

In the UK over the past decade, over 250 libraries have closed, local arts funding in England has more than halved, there has been a 40% decrease in pupils taking arts GCSEs, and per-student funding for creative and performing arts degrees has halved. The consequence of all this? We now have one of the lowest levels of government spending on culture among all European nations.

But I’m optimistic. In the past few months, there have been some promising signs of political support. The UK government has pledged to “revitalise arts education” as part of the reformed national curriculum, Scotland and Wales have both announced real-terms increases in cultural spending for 2026-7, and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations have been pledged an uplift in funding.

The grassroots social movements of arts in health and creative health led by visionary artists and arts organisations are expanding by the day, with remarkable initiatives being developed in healthcare settings and communities. And public awareness is growing. The inner passion for the arts burns bright.

So, I hope 2026 will be the year of the ‘seatbelt moment’ for the arts. A celebration of the value they bring to us as individuals and societies. A surge in support for artists, arts organisations, arts venues and the vital infrastructure that underpins them. And a reminder to ourselves that engaging in the arts is not a luxury in our lives, but an essential.