Liverpool City Council has confirmed a 12-month extension for its Culture and Arts Investment Programme (CAIP), securing support for the city's cultural sector until March 2027. The decision involves a one-off funding allocation of £2.245 million to provide stability for 29 key arts organisations.
This extension aims to help cultural institutions navigate current financial challenges, including rising operational costs and diminished reserves. The move also strategically aligns the city's funding schedule with that of Arts Council England, facilitating better long-term planning for the entire sector.
Key Takeaways
- The Culture and Arts Investment Programme (CAIP) will be extended by 12 months to March 2027.
- A one-off funding of £2.245 million is required for the extension, pending final budget approval.
- The extension provides stability for 29 arts organisations facing financial pressures.
- This aligns Liverpool's funding cycle with Arts Council England, improving strategic planning.
- The programme generated approximately £33 million in economic value for Liverpool in 2023/24.
Providing Stability Amid Financial Pressures
The decision to extend the CAIP follows direct engagement between Liverpool City Council and the 29 organisations it funds. A report presented to the Cabinet on September 16 highlighted the significant financial pressures many of these institutions are currently facing.
Rising costs and reduced financial reserves have created a challenging environment for the arts. The 12-month extension is designed as a safeguarding measure, offering a period of stability while a more comprehensive, long-term funding strategy is developed.
What is the CAIP?
The Culture and Arts Investment Programme (CAIP) is Liverpool City Council's primary funding mechanism for supporting a diverse portfolio of arts and cultural organisations. It aims to foster a vibrant creative economy, support jobs, and ensure wide public access to cultural events across the city.
Strategic Alignment and Future Planning
A key benefit of extending the current funding cycle is the alignment with Arts Council England's national timeline. This synchronisation makes it easier for Liverpool's cultural organisations to plan their activities and finances more effectively over the long term.
The additional year will also provide the council with the necessary time to develop a refreshed and more inclusive CAIP process. This new framework will be informed by several key factors, including the upcoming Arts Council England review, the UK Government's next Spending Review, and proposed changes related to devolution.
Furthermore, the future programme will align with the new Liverpool Culture Strategy, which is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. This ensures that future arts funding is directly linked to the city's overarching cultural vision.
CAIP by the Numbers (2023/24)
- Economic Value: Generated an estimated £33 million for the local economy.
- Job Support: Sustained over 4,000 jobs in the cultural sector.
- Audience Reach: Attracted more than 3.4 million attendances at events.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Since its current cycle began in 2023, the CAIP has delivered a significant return on investment for the city. Its contribution to the local economy is substantial, creating a ripple effect that benefits hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors.
Projections for the 2025/26 financial year indicate continued growth and impact. The 29 funded organisations are expected to generate a combined turnover of nearly £41 million. They are also projected to deliver over 12,000 events across Liverpool, providing a rich cultural offering for residents and visitors.
This sustained investment underscores the council's recognition of the arts as a vital economic driver and a cornerstone of the city's identity and appeal.
Voices from Liverpool's Arts Leaders
Leaders from two of the city's prominent cultural institutions have welcomed the council's decision, highlighting the importance of the funding for their work.
Nicola Triscott, Director and Chief Executive of FACT, emphasised the stability the extension provides.
“This CAIP extension provides vital stability for FACT to deliver life-enhancing digital and screen art experiences for audiences from across Liverpool, while nurturing the next generation of digital artists, creators and filmmakers. We’re grateful for Liverpool City Council’s investment, which enables us to contribute to the city’s thriving creative economy.”
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, spoke about the programme's role in fulfilling their mission.
“We are deeply grateful to Liverpool City Council for extending our vital funding for another year. Without the Council’s longstanding support we would not be able to fulfil our mission to transform lives through music – whether on stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, in schools, hospitals, or in communities across the city.”
Reed also noted the broader economic benefits, stating, “We create jobs, drive tourism and support local businesses, increasing wellbeing and developing skills.”
Organisations Supported by CAIP
The extension will provide continued support for 29 diverse organisations that form the backbone of Liverpool's cultural landscape. The final decision is subject to the council's budget approval process in March 2026.
The full list of funded organisations includes:
- 20 STORIES HIGH
- Africa Oyé
- BlackFest Ltd
- The Bluecoat
- Collective Encounters
- The Comedy Trust
- DaDa Fest
- FACT Liverpool
- First Take
- The Florence Institute Trust (The Florrie)
- Homotopia
- Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
- Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art
- Liverpool Irish Festival
- LMTT Everyman and Playhouse
- One Latin Culture Ltd – trading as Luma Creations
- Metal Culture
- Melt
- Milap
- Open Eye Gallery
- Pagoda Arts
- Royal Court Liverpool Trust Ltd
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society
- Sole Rebel
- Squash Liverpool CIC
- Tate Liverpool
- Tmesis Theatre
- Unity Theatre
- Writing on the Wall