Launch of the Soft Power Council
The UK government is making a significant move to boost its international presence by launching a new Soft Power Council.
This council will be led by notable personalities such as Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Peter Bazalgette, chair and pro-chancellor of the Royal College of Art.
Comprising 26 members, this advisory group is dedicated to leveraging the country’s “soft power” in conjunction with foreign policy, aiming for a proactive and strategic method for global engagement.
Mission and Objectives
The council’s mission revolves around identifying collaborative avenues across diverse sectors to enhance the UK’s growth and security objectives.
The Labour government believes this body will strengthen the effect of government initiatives while implementing a comprehensive strategy to push forward cultural, sporting, and foreign policy ventures on the world stage.
Joining Hunt and Bazalgette are prominent individuals including Ewan Venters, the former CEO of Artfarm, a hospitality venture initiated by the well-known Hauser & Wirth gallery, and Roland Rudd, the chair of Tate’s board of trustees.
This energetic council will meet every quarter to devise campaigns that aim to elevate the UK’s international profile, highlighting its diverse array of strengths.
David Lammy, the UK’s foreign secretary, reiterated the importance of soft power in defining the UK’s aspirations and identity around the globe.
He pointed out that the UK’s contributions—spanning music, sports, and education—are widely appreciated internationally.
However, he underscored the necessity for a cohesive strategy to make the most of these assets, fostering trust, enhancing security, and driving economic growth.
Financial Commitment to Creative Industries
According to recent data from the Global Soft Power Index by Brand Finance, the UK ranks among the top three countries in terms of soft power influence, underscoring its strong global presence.
The establishment of the Soft Power Council coincided with an announcement from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who revealed a substantial £60 million investment aimed at reinvigorating the creative industries in the UK.
Speaking in Gateshead, she outlined her commitment to promoting growth in sectors such as film, music, theater, and gaming, while also emphasizing the need to dismantle barriers that stifle creative potential.
Nandy acknowledged the rich cultural landscape within the UK’s creative sectors.
While the social and cultural significance of these industries is well recognized, she lamented that their tremendous economic potential often goes unnoticed.
She also mentioned concerns voiced by industry leaders about skill shortages, which they attribute to inadequate investment and declining support for arts education in schools.
Nandy expressed deep concern for aspiring young artists, highlighting the necessity to create opportunities that nurture their dreams.
Of the £60 million funding package, more than half is earmarked for grassroots creative initiatives, such as startups in the gaming industry, music venues, and other artistic ventures.
This targeted support addresses the recent cuts in arts and culture funding, especially at local government levels, where resources have diminished significantly since 2017.
Nandy remains acutely aware of the vulnerabilities faced by the creative sectors and is committed to advocating for resilience and growth in music, arts, and museums.
Through these progressive initiatives, the UK seeks to harness the potential of its creative industries while reinforcing its influential position on the global stage.