Brighton named as UK’s most creative city in new ranking – cementing reputation as powerhouse for culture and ideas

The Creative City Index assessed major cities on the density of creative jobs, galleries, theatres, museums, festivals, and art schools. The results place Brighton and Hove firmly at the forefront of the UK’s cultural landscape.

Brighton and Hove excelled for its concentration of cultural spaces, including 26 galleries and 7.45 theatres per 100,000 residents, alongside a packed calendar of 1,709 events and festivals. Analysts describe this vibrant mix of venues, audiences, and independent makers as a “self-sustaining creative cluster” that continues to attract talent from across the country and beyond.

London placed second with a score of 9.14, boasting the highest number of creative jobs (4,814) and art schools (110) overall. Edinburgh ranked third with 7.93, followed by Manchester (5.32) and Leicester (4.97). The top 10 also included Coventry, Derby, Bournemouth, Belfast, and Bradford.

While London remains dominant in scale, the index highlights how smaller cities with high cultural density and connectivity are emerging as vibrant creative hubs. This reflects a broader national shift towards regional centres of innovation and artistic expression.

Data for the index was compiled by flexible workspace provider Co-space, using sources including the Office for National Statistics, Companies House, local authorities, and arts bodies, standardised by population size to produce a score out of 10. The findings were collected in February 2026.

The University of Brighton is proud to be part of a city recognised internationally for its creative energy. Its School of Art and Media embodies this spirit, offering a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning photography, film and sound arts, fashion, fine art, and graphics.

Rooted in inclusivity, the school champions flexible thinking and strong industry partnerships, giving students hands-on opportunities to shape Brighton and Hove’s vibrant creative scene.

Brighton and Hove’s recognition as the UK’s most creative city celebrates a thriving arts scene, innovative spirit, and a culture that empowers students to explore, create, and lead the next generation of talent.