Culture contributes £3.5bn to Sussex economy, new research reveals

The figures have been released by newly launched partnership Culture Sussex, which brings together cultural organisations from across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

The research estimates that culture generates more than £650 million in benefits for the hospitality and retail sectors annually, helping support local businesses, high streets and jobs.

It also places a significant value on culture’s contribution to public health, estimating that arts and cultural activities deliver £200 million a year in health and wellbeing benefits for Sussex residents.

This includes work supporting people living with dementia, social care initiatives and projects helping young people with complex needs.

The findings come as Sussex prepares for regional devolution and ahead of the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority’s forthcoming Prosperity Strategy consultation.

Culture Sussex has been established to ensure the cultural sector is recognised as an important part of the region’s future economic and social development.

The partnership brings together Brighton & Hove Culture Alliance, Culture East Sussex and West Sussex Creatives, with founding support from Arts Council England.

A spokesperson for Culture Sussex said the research demonstrated how culture could help deliver the strategic authority’s priorities.

“As the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority takes on new responsibilities for growth, transport and place, this evidence reveals that culture has a vital role in delivering their priorities – from developing skills and creating jobs, to regenerating our town centres and supporting healthier communities,” they said.

Creative industries across the UK are growing 2.5 times faster than the wider economy, while Sussex has 50 per cent more creative businesses than the national average.

Creative businesses account for eight per cent of all businesses across Sussex, rising to 13 per cent in Brighton & Hove.

The region's creative clusters collectively support more than 30,000 jobs, making Sussex the fifth-largest creative economy outside London and the Heathrow corridor, according to the research.

Tourism is another area where culture could have a substantial impact. Art, culture and heritage are estimated to motivate up to 64 per cent of international visitors to the UK.

Researchers suggest Sussex could potentially generate £1.6 billion towards its regional visitor economy growth target over the next decade through its cultural offer.

The study also highlights the role of culture in bringing communities together.

National research shows that 49 per cent of people feel attending cultural events helps them develop a stronger connection with their community.

Sussex is home to around 1,100 museums, libraries, theatres and grassroots festivals, while nearly three in four primary schools in the region are within walking distance of a cultural asset.

The research estimates there are 5.9 cultural assets for every 10,000 residents, highlighting the reach of the sector across the region.

To celebrate Sussex's cultural identity, Culture Sussex has also released a new film featuring a specially commissioned poem by Woodzy, Crawley's Poet Laureate.

Titled Culture Makes Sussex, the film pays tribute to the region's artists, performers, makers, museums, venues, creative studios, heritage sites and designated landscapes.

Speaking about his involvement, Woodzy said: “Sussex and its culture are almost like a jigsaw puzzle with lots of different pieces that fit together to make a beautiful overall piece of art.

“I am honoured to have my pen and my voice as part of this purposeful project. Culture really does make Sussex. This is the place.”