Arts funding: economic benefits by constituency

How many people are employed in the arts where you are? How much does that generate for your regional economy? And how does your constituency compare to others?

Use our interactive map to find out

1. Select your constituency from the list
2. Scroll down to read all information

Politics News

Andy Burnham wearing a suit standing against a red backdrop with white lettering.

Prime Minister Puts Hope Front and Centre in Labour Party Conference Speech

Andy Burnham delivered his first Leader's Speech as Prime Minister at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

Published: 30 September 2026

Four people standing with 'Back your buskers' plackards with the Westminster building in the background

MU Buskers Bring Westminster Campaign to Parliament

Buskers working in Westminster took their campaign for viable, accessible pitches across the borough to Parliament.

Published: 29 September 2026

Naomi Pohl giving speech at the Labour Partty Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Spotlights Jobs for Young Musicians at Labour Party Conference 2026

In a speech to Labour Conference, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised the need for opportunity, jobs and career progression for young musicians.

Published: 28 September 2026

Women wearing an orange shirt and glasses, with curly dark tied up hair, smiling while she makes notes on her tablet in front of an open laptop.

New Freelance Champions Appointed to Represent Creative Workers in Government

Two new Freelance Champions have been appointed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to ensure the voices of creative freelancers are better represented in Government policymaking.

Published: 17 September 2026

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

About the Musicians’ Union

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is the trade union for over 36,000 musicians across the UK. We’re behind every musician, whatever genre they play, whatever their background and wherever they work.

As well as negotiating on behalf of our members with all the major employers in the industry, we offer a range of support services for musicians to help them build sustainable, successful careers.

Our democratic mandate makes us a strong voice for musicians at all levels of government, and our collective strength empowers members to campaign for a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Resources for decision-makers

AI briefing

5 things Government can do to support musicians in the face of AI generated music – and why.

Music streaming

Back music streaming royalties for non-featured artists

Protect our BBC

Protect the biggest employer and engager of musicians in the UK

Support Westminster buskers

Catch up with members’ campaign to save busking in Westminster

Anti-far right toolkit

Challenge the growing influence of far right ideologies using our Anti-Far Right Toolkit

Local Council resources

Explore our resources to help local councillors advocate for music and musicians in local government

Are you an MU member and local councillor?

Fill in our form to help us better support you

Rights at Work News

TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber Pays Tribute to Northern Ballet Members

TUC Northern East, Yorkshire and Humber Regional celebrates member success at Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a video for social media.

Published: 28 September 2026

A big group of people from various unions holding up flags and placards with 'Labour Unions' and 'Solidarity Forever'

Labour Unions Share Messages of Solidarity With Trans Labour Members

The 11 trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party published a statement of support with the trans and non-binary community.

Published: 28 September 2026

Music stands for theatre musicians in an orchestra pit.

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

New right to work rules could change how musicians and deps are engaged from 1 October 2026. Read about the proposed new rules, who may be affected and what MU members need to know.

Published: 24 September 2026

Three people sitting on a long sofa being filmed for BBC Breakfast.

MU Tackles Busking Bans on BBC Breakfast

MU Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall spoke to BBC Breakfast about busking bans in cities across England following the introduction of a PSPO in Coventry.

Published: 24 September 2026

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Arts funding: economic benefits by constituency

Use our interactive map to find out

Politics News

Prime Minister Puts Hope Front and Centre in Labour Party Conference Speech

MU Buskers Bring Westminster Campaign to Parliament

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Spotlights Jobs for Young Musicians at Labour Party Conference 2026

New Freelance Champions Appointed to Represent Creative Workers in Government

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

About the Musicians’ Union