The British Prime Minister has recently received a memo asking him to join with leaders in the art world to discuss long-term policies for art investments. While the harsh economic climate in the UK today warrants spending cuts, these artistic directors urge the government to think beyond the current situation.
Cutting Funding for the Arts
The signatures of the letter included director Sir Richard Eyre, Tony Hall of the Royal Opera House, Jude Kelly of the Southbank Centre and others. They warned, in their letter, that lasting damage will occur to the public if the level of cuts in the arts continues at this level in the UK.
The letter is in response to arts cuts that will be announced today by Arts Council England. Meeting at the Young Vic theatre in London, the letter writers and others discussed how to argue their case over the long term.
Future Art Goals
In their letter, they asked David Cameron to meet with them to discuss future goals. They added, “We hope you agree that [culture] is not an embellishment of democracy, but is essential to a creative and open society.” Sir Richard Eyre explained that, “Arts are not ethical medicine … they are weapons of happiness.” Jude Kelly offered the idea that a campaign like World Book Night where one million books were given away on March 5 might help people to gain enthusiasm for the arts.
Time will tell if the prime minister chooses to get into the debate and if the heavy hitters in the arts world are able to make their case persuasively for more arts funding, rather than less.