PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Crafts (22 March 2021)

The Government fully recognises the contribution that the UK’s heritage crafts make to the country’s cultural fabric and international reputation. We welcome programmes of support to help artisans and communities continue to practice those traditions which are important to them. For example, organisations such as Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund provide grants for community organisations to support traditional craft skills.

The Heritage Stimulus Fund stream of the Culture Recovery Fund, co-ordinated by Historic England, provided £53m of funding to support construction and conservation projects at heritage sites across England. This included funding over 1000 projects directly, and also providing over £11m of funds through umbrella organisations including the Historic Houses Association and Church of England. These construction and conservation projects have sustained a pipeline of work for skilled craftspeople. I also recognise the contribution of philanthropy to this vital element of our shared heritage.