Save the Arts!

An important message about the arts - David Shrigley

David Shrigley’s video really sums up what art in the UK is about, a sense of humour. He makes people laugh to make them listen, but everyone knows that under the surface this is a serious issue and as they won’t forget giggling at this sketch, neither will they forget the reason it was made.

Once upon a time in the United Kingdom (where I’m from), if you were into art it meant that you either rich, eccentric or a work-shy lay-about. Things have changed a huge amount since then and its down to a lot of investment (money and time) that has gone into changing these perceptions and getting people from all works of life and all mindsets through the doors of galleries and museums.

This is all about to take a backwards step thanks to government spending cuts in the arts. As well as crippling small galleries and museums these cuts will also shrink the number of creative community projects up and down the country, often run by volunteers, that rely on government grants to exist.

I don’t live in the UK any more, but whenever I go back its always so evident how much energy is going into the arts on every level. You just have to open up the listings magazines to see how many workshops and events are organised every week to get people engaged and more creative.

Here in Paris the government would not dare question the importance of arts spending. However, because it has been shoved down people’s throats since school it has lost a little of its mojo and is really taken for granted.

In comparison, the UK education system focuses more on down to earth subjects; generally only private schools teach Art History. It’s often down to galleries, museums and art projects to fill the gaps and encourage people to stay interested. As a result people find their own way and are more open-minded about what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ art. It could be argued that the average Brit is as likely to know about Tracey Emin as they are about Turner. It may be no coincidence that art in the UK has become world-famous for breaking boundaries and having a fresh and diverse approach.

The UK has a whole army of art enthusiasts who spend a lot of their time trying to get people to share this passion and discover their creativity. With all this about to be crushed, the Save the Arts campaign, supported by a collection of 2,000 artists and art organisations is aiming to collect 100,000 signatures in its petition to convince the government to think again.

So if you love art in the UK and want to have your say sign here!

"The Imaginary Historian"