When Arts Council England set out to develop a strategy for 2020-2030, we spoke at length to people across the country and heard repeatedly their wish to experience the arts close to home. People told us of their frustration at the lack of opportunities to develop their talent in their communities; and their longing for the chance to enjoy and participate in all kinds of culture. The arts reflect life back at us: they are fundamental to how we understand ourselves. Surely it is right that we can all feel equally at home in our theatres and galleries, that we can all be participants?
Sir Nicholas Hytner warned in the Guardian that culture has been squeezed out of the school curriculum. I share his concern, and agree that placing more emphasis on culture and teaching creativity within all schools would pay dividends for future generations. Arts Council funding alone cannot make good that loss, but we can support young people, both in and outside school, and those organisations and artists that work with them. That is a mission I won’t give up on.
