If politicians are serious about rebuilding communities, they must understand that art and creativity are not just extra perks, but essential parts of the foundation. Andy Burnham, a prominent figure in local government, has argued that culture is often seen as a distraction or something "nice to have." However, he emphasizes that culture helps people understand and shape their own reality. It is not something added after the work of rebuilding is done—it is part of the process. Art creates spaces where people can gather, gives them a sense of control over their lives, opens doors to careers they might not have considered, revives neglected buildings and struggling town centers, and allows communities to share their stories. Despite the importance of art, the infrastructure supporting arts education has been steadily declining. In schools, the number of students taking arts-related GCSEs has dropped by 42% since 2010, according to the Cultural Learning Alliance. At universities, art education often faces challenges in proving its relevance in terms of economic value. Museums, too, have seen learning programs cut when budgets are tight. However, recent government reviews and commitments to museum funding suggest a willingness to rethink how culture is valued. To change this trajectory, the focus should be on supporting the organizations already making a difference in communities. The new Freelands awards, which will provide £1.5 million over five years, are one example of this approach. These funds will support innovative visual art education in museums, galleries, and arts organizations. The first three recipients, each receiving £100,000, demonstrate the impact such support can have. In Barrow-in-Furness, Signal has transformed an abandoned building into a thriving cultural hub for a community historically centered around shipbuilding and now nuclear submarines. Their artist development program empowers locals to engage with their environment and create opportunities for others. In Wolverhampton, the Art Gallery has created programs that help young people explore creative careers outside traditional academic paths. In rural North Devon, the Burton at Bideford gallery addressed the challenge of schools not being able to afford field trips by creating the Burton Art Box—a mobile art space that brings creativity directly to primary schools. These examples highlight that access to culture is not just about the existence of cultural institutions, but about whether people can reach them. These organizations are finding creative ways to overcome barriers, proving that meaningful change can happen even without perfect conditions. To truly rebuild communities, we need to invest in the infrastructure of art education across schools, museums, galleries, and community spaces, ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage with and create art.