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Creative industries worth almost £10 million an hour to economy

UK’s Creative Industries are worth £84.1 billion a year to the UK economy, according to DCMS figures.

Published: 27 January 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

Figures published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) show that the UK’s Creative Industries are worth £84.1 billion a year to the UK economy.

DCMS says the sector growing at almost twice the rate of the wider UK economy, growing 8.9% in 2014 and now generating £9.6 million an hour.

The MU is constantly campaigning and lobbying on the issue of arts funding. DCMS’ figures justify our calls for continued investment to ensure the UK’s arts, culture and music remain world class.

Read the full report from DCMS. 

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