The total figure for private sector investment in culture for 2008/09 fell from its record high in 2007/08 to £654.9 million in the UK decreasing by 7% (above inflation).

Investment from all three private sector sources declined from the previous year, according to analysis by Arts & Business.  Business investment fell by 6% (a smaller decrease than last year) and now stands at £157 million and accounts for 24% of the overall contribution from the private sector.  In 2008/09 investment from individuals dropped to £363 million, a 7% decrease of £19 million.   Individual giving now accounts for 55% of the total private investment received in the sector.   The amount from Trusts and Foundations also fell from £141 million to £135 million, also experiencing a 7% decrease from last year and accounting for 21% of the total private investment in the cultural sector.

According to the respondents of Arts & Business' Private Investment in Culture Survey, private investment in 2008/09 accounted for an average of 15% of their organisation's total income.   Public sector funding, including funding from the arts councils, the UK Ministries of Culture, other governmental departments, local authorities, other public subsidies and lottery funding, made up 53% of the total income of cultural organisations.   The remaining 32% was raised through earned income, including ticket sales and trading.