The Arts, Funding the Arts

Britain provides substantial public funding for the arts. The Arts Councils of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland oversee independent local arts councils and allocate funds to national arts organizations such as the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. Local authorities work with the arts councils and supply funds as well. Opera, dance, drama companies, experimental groups, touring theaters, festivals, and orchestras all count on public financial assistance. Public funds also help train writers, choreographers, composers, artists, and photographers. Another source of funds is the National Lottery, begun in 1994, which allocates a fifth of its net proceeds to the arts. Even with these sources of public funds, many artists seek support from the private sector.