Saving the Arts

I am deeply concerned by the consequences of the recently announced Comprehensive Spending Review for many reasons but, in terms of the remit of ReARM, by their certain assault upon the arts. Whether you're a regular arts fan of any description, an occasional gig goer, or working in the arts in the UK, the outlook is not good. For example, your council might run an arts centre and other activities under the general heading of 'arts', despite having no legal obligation to do so, because it improves the quality of life of the people living in the area, as well as helping artistes make a living. But the spending cuts are going to change this.

Arts practitioners and educators from primary schools to universities will be affected, as will galleries, studios, libraries, museums and so on:  all will be affected wherever public money (i.e. our money) is involved.

Cutting the arts is seen as a quick fix to saving money, and people often go along with the notion that they are a superfluous luxury, forgetting the consequences in terms of loss of employment in the sector and the impoverishment of our cultural life. But unless we are content to bring up a Philistine next generation for whom artistic attainments are to be passive - such as watching X Factor, or some big name band on an over hyped national tour with high prices to match - then we shouldn't accept these cuts unchallenged.

For more details, and to show your support, go the the I Value The Arts website.