The National Lottery and the Olympics - implications for the arts

The Olympics 2012 present the arts with both a threat and an opportunity and the NCA is working to minimise and maximise these respectively. At a meeting of the NCA National Director's Forum (NDF) with the Minister for Culture, David Lammy MP, concerns were raised about the possible impact of the Olympics on the arts. The Minister acknowledged these, but emphasised that the Olympics would provide an international showcase for the arts in London and agreed to continue to work with the NCA to ensure sustained investment in the arts.

The NCA Dance Delegation, which met the Minister in March 2006, discussed opportunities for maximising the benefits of the Olympic infrastructure, for example, by installing floors suitable for dancing, in the new sporting facilities. The NCA will continue to monitor Olympic plans and respond accordingly.

The largest public contribution to the Olympic Games will be £1.5 billion raised through the National Lottery. This money will come from new Olympic Lottery Games, established Lottery distributors to sport and changes made to the shares of Lottery funding given to good causes, beyond 2009 if necessary. According to the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee, 'cannibalisation' (sales of new tickets in place of ordinary ones) could lead to a reduction in arts funding of around £68 million until 2012, or £22.8 million per year. On the positive side, there are plans for cultural programmes in major cities, presenting the UK arts to the world in the run-up to 2012, and online showcasing of British artistic talent.

For more information visit the National Lottery website