EDWARD VAIZEY (UK)

Edward Henry Butler Vaizey is an influential British politician from the Conservative Party, which served as UK Minister of Culture from 2010 to 2016, with great influence over the UK Creative Industries Federation, the Department for Culture, the Media and Sports (DCMS) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Talent (BIS).

Previously in this position, he served in the so-called “Shadow Ministry” for Culture, under former Prime Minister David Cameron, from 2006 to 2010.

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He is currently a Member of the British Parliament (MP) and is a renowned columnist on UK culture and politics for prestigious media such as The Guardian, The Times, London Evening Standard, The Sunday Times, among others. He is also a recurring guest on opinion shows on the BBC and BBC Radio.

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Vaizey is also a promoter of the National Youth Theater and the international non-profit organization BritDoc, which supports the making of long-term documentaries. His work within these institutions is carried out as a social service, without receiving remuneration.

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As Minister of Culture, Vaizey championed the policy of free entry to the UK's national museums.

Towards the end of his term, the Treasury Department introduced tax credits to boost theater, dance, orchestras, and museums. Vaizey also, through his duties, secured £ 150 million in equity funds from the Treasury to help restructure the operation of the museums.

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Upon leaving office, more than 150 senior officials from the arts and creative industries wrote to the Daily Telegraph to express their appreciation for his service as Minister of Culture and Digital Economy.