The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has highlighted the economic and social power of the capital’s creative industries after new figures showed his support has helped unlock an estimated £11.9bn in investment and spending across London.
Over a decade in office, the Mayor has placed culture at the heart of London’s growth strategy, strengthening its status as a global creative capital while delivering tangible economic returns. Flagship projects include East Bank, the largest new culture and education district in 150 years, and the new London Museum, due to open later this year at Smithfield.
Alongside major infrastructure investment, City Hall has focused on protecting grassroots culture. The number of artist studios has been stabilised, grassroots music venues supported, and the London Borough of Culture programme has taken arts and culture directly into communities across the capital.
Billions unlocked through Mayoral support
New analysis shows that Mayoral investment across the creative economy has already exceeded growth targets — two years ahead of schedule — by unlocking billions of pounds in public and private funding over the past decade.
The figures reveal:
- £11.1bn of spending in the film and TV, design, fashion, and games industries supported through Film London, the British Fashion Council, Games London, and the London Design Festival
- £783m secured from local authorities, Government, private investors, and philanthropic partners
- £798m of direct City Hall investment, including more than £600m for East Bank and funding for the new London Museum
- Over 145,000 square metres of new or improved cultural and creative space supported through Mayoral programmes
London’s culture and creative industries now contribute £64bn a year to the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs, boosting tourism, and driving growth. The capital was recently named the world’s number one city for culture in Time Out’s Best Cities for Culture 2026.
Film, fashion and games drive growth
The Mayor has been a consistent champion of high‑growth creative sectors. Through Film London, City Hall support has underpinned more than £9bn in investment, supported 87 productions, and created over 13,000 jobs. London has also welcomed three new film studios in Bow and Dagenham, 3 Mills Studios and Eastbrook Studios.
The capital’s games sector has doubled in size over the past decade, cementing London’s reputation as a global hub for game makers. Meanwhile, the British Fashion Council has helped secure sales, trade, and investment, while supporting emerging designers through NewGen. In partnership with Sir Paul Smith, Studio Smithfield is now providing designers with affordable studios and mentoring.
Protecting creative space
City Hall’s Creative Enterprise Zones have helped reverse the decline in artists’ studios, delivering 71,000 square metres of affordable creative workspace — the equivalent of 10 football pitches. The Creative Land Trust has also played a key role in securing long‑term, affordable studios and workspaces for artists and makers.
Together, these programmes are helping to safeguard London’s cultural infrastructure for the long term.
The Mayor marked the milestone at a reception last night at London’s new St Clement Hotel, bringing together creative leaders to celebrate ten years of partnership and collaboration.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:
“London’s culture and creative industries are at the heart of our capital’s success. They attract millions of visitors every year, are why so many of us are proud to call London home, and are a powerhouse for economic growth. That’s why over the last 10 years I’ve been determined to help them thrive, from helping to create the game changing East Bank and upcoming new London Museum, to supporting our successful film, games, and fashion industries, and ensuring there are spaces for creatives to work. I’m delighted that, despite the challenges, these industries are delivering such a huge boost for our capital and I’m committed to doing all I can to extend this work and support the next generation of creative talent as we build a better London for everyone.”
Image credit: iStock
