U.K. Government Launches Consultation on Rules Governing Product Placement on Television

The U.K. Government is seeking further views on whether to allow product placement in programs made for British television. A consultation, also asking what safeguards should be in place should the product placement rules be revised, is published today...

U.K. Government Scheme Accepts Artworks in Lieu of Inheritance Tax

Paintings by Titian, Van Dyck and David Hockney as well as many other cultural works – with a combined value of £19.8 million – were saved for the nation last year thanks to the Government’s Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme, Culture Minister...

5.9 Million Free Swims During the Second Quarter of the U.K. Government’s Free Swimming Initiative

The U.K. Government has welcomed the latest official data that shows that there were 5.9 million free swims during the second quarter of its £140m free swimming initiative, covering July, August and September 2009 – up from 4.5 million in the first...

State-of-the-art National Film Center to be Created on London’s South Bank

A new state-of-the-art national film center is to be created on London’s South Bank, thanks to a Government commitment of £45 million. It is one of a number of announcements of flagship cultural projects to help secure Britain’s future as a world...

British Film Makers Receive Tax Relief Support for Over 170 Films

In 2008/09 over £100m of support has been provided for the production of over 170 UK films. Since its introduction in 2007 film tax relief has been successful in promoting the sustainable production of British films. The relief increases the amount of...

Temporary Export Stop Placed on ‘exceptional’ 16th Century Dutch Mannerist Masterpiece By Cornelis Van Haarlem

U.K. Culture Minister Barbara Follett has placed a temporary export bar on a painting of Saint Sebastian by the Dutch artist Cornelis van Haarlem. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the painting in the United Kingdom. The Minister’s...

UK Film Council And the British Film Institute Plan to Merge

U.K. Film Minister Siôn Simon has said that plans to merge the UK Film Council (UKFC) and the British Film Institute (BFI) into a single body to support film could benefit both the film-going public and the industry.

U.K. Care Home Residents to Receive More Help with the Switch to Digital TV

All care home residents will get help with the switch to digital TV following changes to the Switchover Help Scheme announced by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham today. The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up by the Government and the BBC to deliver...

Scheme Unveiled in the U.K. to Give a Million Free Theater Tickets to Young People

A new scheme to encourage young people to experience live theater was unveiled today by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham. A £2.5 million program – funded by Arts Council England, who will manage the scheme – will be focused on some 95 venues...