Funding for arts and culture outside of London will be increased by 4% by 2022, Arts Council England has announced.

In its new budget plans, the organisation said the extra £37m increase would help support the integration of museums and libraries and would help develop smaller and more diverse organisation.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England: ‘We’ve planned a budget that lets us reach more people in new ways. We’ll increase investment outside London without damaging the capital; fund more new, small and diverse organisations. And museums, libraries and arts organisations will apply to us on a more level playing field.’

Arts Council England has set a budget of £622m per year across three main funding streams: the National Portfolio, Grants for Arts and Culture, and strategic funds.