As an artist navigating the tumultuous waters of the UK's creative landscape, I find myself compelled to speak out against an issue that threatens the soul of our society: the systematic defunding of arts education. This is not just a focus on my own struggles, but a cry for the countless young creatives who are being deprived of the environment they need to be able to thrive.
The STEM of the issue
In 2021, the government made a move that sent shockwaves through the arts community by slashing funding for higher education in arts subjects by a staggering 50%, redirecting the resources to STEM fields. This decision, while aimed at bolstering scientific and technological advancement, has instead cast a shadow over the future of all creative industries in the UK.
It is a stark irony that in 2020, the UK’s creative industries were generating nearly £13 million every hour, contributing a massive amount to our economy. Yet, certain people in power seemed intent on devaluing the very essence of what makes us human: our ability to imagine, innovate, and express ourselves through art.
The cuts to arts funding are not just numbers on a budget sheet; they represent a disregard of the value of creativity in education.
By removing arts from state schools and pushing artists towards retraining, the government sent a clear message that the arts are expendable, secondary to the pursuit of more "practical" disciplines.
Critical Thinking, Empathy & Resilience
Organisation ‘The Campaign for the Arts’ have been tirelessly advocating for a shift in this narrative, championing the idea that arts should be valued, accessible to all, and seen as a legitimate career choice. And they are right. The arts nurture skills that are indispensable in all aspects of life: creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and resilience.
Reflecting on my own journey through school, the importance of providing support for students with learning needs is more important than ever. I struggled then and today with spelling, grammar, and comprehension, yet never received the assistance I needed. It's only now, looking back, that I recognise all the signs pointing to dyslexia. These are topics for another journal post, but this underscores the reality that many students, particularly those who excel in the arts, could also have specific learning needs that are being overlooked.
A Disregard For The Arts in State Schools
The statistics paint a bleak picture of the state of arts education in the UK. Participation in music activities among primary-age children has plummeted, while GCSE and A-Level entries in arts subjects have seen a steep decline since 2010. Our previous government's disregard for arts and creative courses as "strategic priorities" has only exacerbated the problem, sending a worrying message to future generations of artists and creatives.
Routes To Roots - A Platform For Art
Currently, I'm spearheading a unique community arts initiative in collaboration with the Transpennine Route Upgrade Team. This endeavour celebrates the talent of young artists living in communities adjacent to the train stations along the Transpennine route, spanning from Manchester Piccadilly to York.
Throughout this journey so far, I've had the privilege of meeting inspiring young people who are utilising art as a medium to convey their personal stories. Engaging in this project has provided a glimpse into the inner workings of secondary schools, particularly their tight constraints in allocating resources, and often inadequate time provided for art study.
Many of the students involved in the project have had little opportunity over the course of their school curriculum to collaborate with an independent artist or engage in making art in any form. Witnessing their thought provoking creations displayed for commuters to appreciate during their journeys through the Pennines and beyond serves as a significant confidence booster for them.
The project not only fosters a sense of community pride among the students and their families, but also opens up new and exciting avenues for future exploration.
What would life be like without the creative industries?
As the project develops, it becomes clearer that talented young creatives from all backgrounds should have access to the same opportunities no matter their circumstances, or where they live. It's time for our policymakers to appreciate the intrinsic value of creativity and invest in the future of our whole nation's artistic soul. ~ because what would our lives be like without the arts in all forms?