Mayor’s decade-long support for culture and the creative industries helps unlock almost £12 billion in investment and spending across the capital

• New analysis shows that the Mayor’s investment in culture and creative industries has helped unlock more than £11.9bn in investment and spending in the capital across the past decade
• This includes £11.1bn in the film and TV, design, fashion and games industries – surpassing a target of £10bn by 2028
• Sadiq has made culture a central part of London’s growth, identity and global reputation by supporting creatives, cultural organisations and major projects, including the creation of East Bank

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today celebrated the power of the capital’s creative industries to drive the economy and bring Londoners together as new stats showed that his support has helped unlock an estimated £11.9bn (1) in investment and spending across the capital.

Over his 10 years as Mayor, Sadiq has boosted London’s position as a global cultural capital, making it central to London’s growth and identity, and driving the economy.  Under his leadership East Bank, the largest new culture and education district in 150 years has been delivered, a new London Museum will open later this year at Smithfield, the number of artist studios has been stabilised, grassroots music venues have been supported, and the London Borough of Culture has brought culture to doorsteps across the capital.

New analysis has now revealed that Mayoral investment across these key industries has helped unlock billions of pounds of investment and spending across the past decade, already surpassing growth targets two years early.

It shows:

• £11.1bn (2) of spending in the film and TV, design, fashion and games industries which are supported by the Mayor through Film London, the British Fashion Council, Games London and the London Design Festival.
• £783m (3) of funding from local authorities, Government, the private sector, investors and philanthropic contributions towards programmes supported by the Mayor.
• £798m  (4) of direct investment from City Hall, including more than £600m to create East Bank - the biggest cultural development in London for a generation – and supporting the creation of the new London Museum.
• More than 145,000 (5)  square metres of new or improved cultural and creative space supported through Mayoral-supported programmes.

London’s culture and creative industries are hugely important to the capital contributing £64bn (6) to the UK economy each year, supporting thousands of jobs, driving tourism and powering growth. Last week, the capital was named the number one city for culture in Time Out’s Best Cities for Culture 2026.

The Mayor has recognised the value of these industries and has been a consistent champion of the capital’s film and TV, design, fashion and games industries. 

His support for film, through Film London has supported more than £9bn of investment, underpinning 87 productions and creating more than 13,000 jobs. In addition, London has welcomed three new film studios in Bow and Dagenham, 3 Mills Studios and Eastbrook Studios.

Games businesses in the capital have doubled in the last 10 years, placing London as one of the world’s leading hub for game makers. While The British Fashion Council has helped secure sales, trade and investment for London as well as support for the next generation of designers through the NewGen. In partnership with Sir Paul Smith, Studio Smithfield is giving designers vital studios and mentoring to grow their businesses.

The Mayor has pioneered Creative Enterprise Zones which have helped to reverse the decline in artists’ studios and delivered 71,000 square metres of affordable creative workspace - the equivalent of 10 football pitches. The Creative Land Trust has helped to provide long‑term, affordable studios and workspaces for artists and makers.

Taken together, these groundbreaking programmes have helped secure London’s cultural future.

Last night this success was celebrated when the Mayor held a reception at London’s new St Clement Hotel. The event paid tribute to a decade of support, partnership and collaboration with London's creative leaders. 

The 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.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Culture is in London’s DNA. From world-leading theatres to grassroots music venues, and global film talent to the next generation of fashion stars, it shapes our identity, inspires our communities and drives opportunity. By acknowledging its huge importance across our lives, protecting the places Londoners love and supporting our next generation, we’re creating a bright future that will ensure London remains the global capital for culture.”

Michael French MBE, Head of Games London and Director, London Games Festival, said: “Support from the Mayor of London has enabled Games London to champion games as a force for creativity in culture. In the past 10 years, London has become the No.1 hub in Europe for interactive entertainment and a top 3 global games city, with a vibrant creative workforce in the capital producing work for global hit games and innovative independent studios. Through the London Games Festival we have made games accessible to diverse audiences from London and across the UK, while attracting thousands of international visitors.”

Laura Weir,  CEO British Fashion Council, said: “We are particularly grateful to the Mayor of London for his continued support of London Fashion Week and for his commitment to championing creative talent from diverse backgrounds across the capital. The Creative Economy Growth Programme has enabled us to continue showcasing and supporting emerging designers, while helping to strengthen London’s position as a global capital of culture. London Fashion Week remains one of the city’s most important cultural platforms, driving creativity, innovation and international visibility for British fashion and the wider creative industries.”

Ben Evans CBE, Executive Director of London Design Festival, said: “London is a global cultural and creative hub and design is a key part of the equation. Designers are the problem solvers of the 21st century and work across all sectors of the economy. The on-going support given by the Mayor over the last 10 years has enabled the industry and the wider sector. Jobs, income, audiences continue to grow sustaining the city’s reputation ensuring further opportunity. It has been a golden era for culture & creativity in London. We owe thanks to the Mayor for making it one of his core priorities."

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London, said: “Beyond bringing the city, its people and its stories to the world, London’s screen industries also generate billions of pounds worth of investment and creates jobs in sectors as diverse as carpentry, catering and cutting-edge technology. By helping us support businesses, build skills and connect talent across film, TV, games and visual effects via projects like the Creative Academy Hub and Film London’s Equal Access Network, the Mayor’s support has been vital in helping us grasp existing opportunities while unlocking future potential.”

Sharon Ament, Director of London Museum, said: “Like the Mayor, I am an emphatic champion of London, a city rich in arts, culture and heritage. It has drawn people to it for centuries. Such a charismatic place deserves an equally potent museum, one with the power to express all its grit and glitter.  We’re proud to have the support of the Mayor in realising our vision to create a new home in Smithfield, one that stops people in their tracks. The Mayor has backed our ambitious vision, with other key funders including the City of London Corporation. As a result we are restoring two unique heritage buildings and bringing them back to public use after decades.  We’re creating a beautiful free space for Londoners, where we can all meet, hang-out, learn and be inspired. Our collection will be revealed in new ways, working together with over 100,000 Londoners to bring the city’s story to life. It is a huge investment for future generations and we can’t wait to open our doors to visitors towards the end of this year!” 

Es Devlin, Artist, said: “The thing about Sadiq Khan and Justine Simons is: they both really care about art and they believe in its civic power. Beyond the enormous economic benefits that music, museums, theatre, film, dance, visual arts and design bring to the city, they understand that abundant, accessible art, in every imaginable form, is essential for Londoners’ cultural and civic health.”

Tolu Coker, Designer, said: "London’s creative industries are one of the city’s greatest cultural and economic strengths, and it’s important to recognise the impact sustained investment and advocacy can have on nurturing the next generation of talent. As a designer who came through both a widening participation programme at my local youth centre and initiatives like NEWGEN, I’ve seen first hand how meaningful support can create real pathways for people to access opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach. Building a sustainable business within the creative industries is an ongoing process, and continued support and investment remain essential at every stage of growth.

That is how we create a future where the next generation can thrive, build sustainable careers and eventually pay those opportunities forward themselves, and I welcome the Mayor’s continued support across our industries."