Policy that shapes the creative economy.

Help shape a new cross-sector advocacy toolkit

Members are invited to complete a short survey that will help shape a new cross-sector toolkit ahead of party conference season. The toolkit will capture the sector’s most pressing policy priorities and strengthen engagement with policymakers across all parties over the coming year.

New Creative UK report explores AI and emerging technology adoption

Commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Creative UK’s new report examines how AI and advanced technologies are being adopted across the UK’s cultural and creative industries. It draws on a sector-wide leadership group and qualitative research with 20 micro and SME businesses.

The findings show that responsible AI adoption is underway, but progress remains uneven and is often constrained by barriers linked to the sector’s size, shape and structure. The report sets out practical recommendations on guidance, incentives and regulation to help creative businesses realise the opportunities of responsible adoption.

Dawn Airey CBE appointed as the next Chair of Arts Council England

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, has announced the appointment of Dawn Airey CBE as the new Chair of Arts Council England. Airey will begin a four-year term on 1 August 2026, succeeding Sir Nicholas Serota.

The appointment follows Baroness Hodge’s independent review, which called for a radical overhaul of the organisation after identifying a loss of respect and trust among those it supports. Airey has said Arts Council England now has a clear new mandate to support, nurture and protect the arts with greater transparency, speed and fairness.

CMA gives publishers more control over content in Google AI Overviews

The Competition and Markets Authority has imposed a new conduct requirement on Google search that allows UK publishers to opt out of appearing in AI Overviews. The measure is designed to place publishers in a stronger position to negotiate content deals with Google.

Google will also be required to provide clear attribution to publisher content in AI-generated results and offer publishers the option to prevent content from being used to fine-tune AI models. The decision comes amid concerns about falling web traffic following the introduction of AI Overviews in search.

Government acknowledges it got AI copyright policy wrong in the first instance

Speaking at SXSW London, Lisa Nandy MP said the government got it wrong in its initial approach to copyright and artificial intelligence. She confirmed that the government is working with both technology companies and creatives while consultations continue.

The revised position follows the government’s decision not to introduce an opt-out exception to copyright for AI training. Nandy also recognised that smaller creative businesses face specific risks when their work is used in ways that do not support sustainable livelihoods.