Keir Starmer aims to ensure that young people from diverse backgrounds have greater accessibility to the arts. In a speech emphasizing the economic impact of the creative industries, he will argue that by improving access, their contribution could be even more significant.
In London, Starmer will outline a plan for “access to the arts” following a recent Labour study that revealed nearly half of British cultural icons nominated for top awards in the past ten years attended private schools.
Addressing 250 prominent individuals in the creative field, the leader of the Labour party will assert that the Tories have overlooked the importance of arts education, resulting in hindrances to the industry and restricting access for individuals of diverse backgrounds.
The anticipated statement from Starmer highlights that the UK’s creative sectors, including music, films, games, fashion, and literature, are recognized and appreciated worldwide. He emphasizes that these industries contribute a significant £125 billion to the economy.
Despite this, the Conservative party lacks a comprehensive plan for supporting the arts. They have not put forth any measures to utilize the potential of the creative industries, nor do they prioritize fostering creativity in schools to ensure the future of the industry.
During a recent school visit, Starmer shared his enthusiasm for learning to play musical instruments as a child. He is expected to criticize the government for disregarding creative subjects in education, stating that the perspective of weighing the arts against the sciences is misguided. The arts are an essential component of rebuilding and the creative industries have the unique ability to promote equality and advancement.
The preview of Starmer’s speech does not provide specific plans for how Labour would tackle this problem. However, Starmer mentions that if he were in leadership, the government would collaborate closely with the creative industries to nurture the future generation of creatives.
Prominent figures in the arts have been vocal in recent years about the decrease in funding for arts in public schools, which has resulted in subjects like music and acting being primarily pursued by those who receive a private education.
The study by the Labour party revealed that out of 130 British individuals who were nominated for the top honors at the Oscars, Baftas, and Mercury Prize in the past decade, 40% came from private schools. This is in comparison to only 6% of the overall population who received a private education.
Starmer will say: “We will support the arts and creative industries to create more opportunities for working-class kids and more secure jobs in the sector. Because we want the arts to be for everyone, everywhere.
I am of the belief that the Conservatives do not grasp this concept. They seem to believe that individuals in the workforce do not require exposure to cultural experiences. This condescending attitude towards the working class indicates that they do not believe that these individuals should have an interest in or concern for the arts.
To align with the speech, the Labour party has unveiled a video featuring a variety of artists and actors, including Beverley Knight and James Norton, voicing their support for the plan.
Famous writers, Kate Mosse and Jeanette Winterson, have also expressed their backing for this cause. According to Winterson, “I challenge you to find a child who has no interest in creating art, listening to stories, and retelling them. Children enjoy singing, dancing, and embracing music. They are imaginative and love to make up games and characters. Give them some pots and pans and they will construct an entire kingdom.”
“We provide them with practical education and dismiss the arts as a frivolous expense. However, the arts actually cultivate our innate creativity. By labeling creativity as a luxury, we are essentially labeling being human as a luxury.”
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Source: theguardian.com
