In an address, Keir Starmer will promise to increase the availability of opportunities in the arts for young individuals from all walks of life. He will emphasize the financial impact of the creative sector and make the case that it has the potential to be even more significant with enhanced accessibility.
In London, following a recent Labour study revealing that nearly half of the top British cultural figures nominated for major awards in the past decade had a private school education, Starmer will present a “arts accessibility” proposal.
Addressing 250 influential individuals in the creative industries, the leader of the Labour party will assert that the Conservative party has overlooked the importance of arts education, resulting in an impediment to the sector and restricting chances for individuals of any socioeconomic background.
Starmer is anticipated to state that our music, films, games, fashion, and literature are recognized and cherished worldwide. He will emphasize that the UK’s creative industries contribute a total of £125 billion to the economy.
However, the Conservative party does not have a clear plan for supporting the arts. They have not outlined a strategy for harnessing the potential of the creative industries and do not prioritize creativity in schools to ensure the future success of the industry.
During a recent visit to a school, Starmer expressed his appreciation for learning to play musical instruments as a child. He is anticipated to criticize the government for disregarding creative subjects in education, emphasizing that there should not be a competition between the arts and sciences. He believes that the arts are crucial for rebuilding and that the creative industries have the ability to bring about greater equality.
The previews of Starmer’s speech offer no specific plans on how Labour would tackle this matter, other than Starmer’s statement that a government under his leadership would collaborate closely with the creative industries to nurture the next wave of creative individuals.
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Prominent members of the arts community have stated in recent years that reductions in government funding for the arts in public schools have resulted in subjects like music and acting becoming predominantly limited to those who receive private education.
The study conducted by the Labour party revealed that out of 130 British individuals nominated for top awards at the Oscars, Baftas, and Mercury Prize in the past decade, 40% had attended private school. This is in contrast to only 6% of the overall population who have received a private education.
Starmer plans to assist the arts and creative sectors in providing more chances for lower-income children and stable employment positions. This vision aims to ensure that the arts are accessible to all, regardless of location.
The Tories seem to lack understanding on this issue. They have the belief that culture is not necessary for working individuals; a condescending idea that such individuals do not value or should not value the arts.
In conjunction with the speech, the Labour party has published a video featuring various musicians, actors, and other individuals, including singer Beverley Knight and actor James Norton, who support the proposal.
Assistance has been provided by several writers, such as Kate Mosse and Jeanette Winterson. Winterson expressed, “Find me a child who has no interest in painting. A child who doesn’t enjoy listening to a story and retelling it. Kids love to sing and dance, they have a passion for music. They create games and characters, and can transform pots and pans into a kingdom.”
“Next, we subject them to an educational program that categorizes the arts as a non-essential indulgence. However, the arts are fundamental in fostering our innate creativity. If creativity is considered a luxury, then being human itself is also seen as a luxury.”
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Source: theguardian.com
