The first ever global comparative study to examine the financing of culture in world cities has been published by the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF). The World Cities Culture Finance Report looks at how much is spent on culture in world cities, by whom, and where that money goes.
The report, which, includes a full city profile for Tokyo, found that:
- Over one-third of all public culture funding is provided by local government
- In United States cities, culture funding is dominated by private giving. Outside of the US, with the exception of Tokyo, no other city has more than 19% from private sources.
- Chinese cities are increasingly investing in newer and more commercial cultural forms, and in the creative industries in particular
- Individuals dominate private giving to culture in the US and UK. Corporations dominate private giving in Asia
- Indirect public funding, including tax breaks and fiscal incentives, is growing in importance
The report illustrates the importance of cultural leadership at city level, citing Tokyo as one of several governance champions for culture among leading world cities:
“Tokyo’s 62 local authorities are responsible for funding local arts and cultural projects, and managing local cultural facilities and cultural heritage sites. Their total culture budget was $274m in 2015-16. A liaison committee established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) includes Heads of Cultural Policy from all local authorities, and serves to coordinate cultural policy between the local authorities and the TMG.”
The report can be read in full at the WCCF website.
The World Cities Culture Forum consists of 32 global cities, convened to share research and intelligence, and explore the vital role of culture in their future prosperity. Tokyo was a founding member of the forum at its inaugural summit during London 2012.
