When the potential painters, actors, musicians and dancers of the future go to school they won’t find very much painting, acting, music or dancing on the curriculum. That means that unless those that care for them can pay for classes outside of school hours, they just won’t get to fulfill their potential. And when the scientists, mathematicians, lawyers, accountants, politicians etc. of the future look up from their screens, data, targets, policies, etc. what will they see? How will they feed the parts of them that need to be nourished by beauty, laughter, fantasy, poetry, colour, ideas, fresh perspectives? Children who can’t express themselves and a workforce who are depressed without soul food. Really? How can that be a good idea? We are going to look back and see what a huge mistake this is for our society.
We need to champion and support the arts in whatever way we can. I offer very reduced rates for coaching those working in the arts. They need all the help they can get right now.
"Arts aren't a luxury. They are actually what makes life worth living in this city, and they are a reason to keep going." – Cllr Liz Clements
There were emotional scenes at yesterday's meeting of Birmingham City Council.
The UK's second city is set to lose all council investment in the arts over the next two years.
