Rupert Christiansen says the UK’s National Lottery is neglecting its considerable role in funding the country’s arts and culture. “The Lottery’s achievement is considerable, but, as the Cassandras prophesied when its guidelines were originally being drawn up, the problem it leaves unresolved is the dearth of cash – either from the Treasury or from ticket-buyers – to sustain the day-to-day running of [the] splendid edifices” it has built over the last decade.