Dear Melvyn, Thank you for being such an inspiration and a guide in my education. I left school at fourteen with no qualifications. I am a stonemason, and in a ‘whisper’ ..... a poet. One good teacher can make all the difference in the world. That for me has been you. I wish you all health and happiness. God bless you Tony
Thank you for putting into words what has been in our hearts for a generation. The Arts provide so much, not just in terms of our sense of wellbeing, our sense of self and national identity, but also financially here in the UK and as an export. It also brings joy and right now that feels essential.
The arts is one of the last 'non skilled' entry level opportunities for the academically challenged. I built a career in the arts, from zero qualifications, never needed to go on the dole, I pay taxes and been lucky enough to create job opportunities for others in a similar position. I'm one of hundreds of people I've met who didn't fit in at school, but we're saved by drama, music and local arts organisations. The arts are one of the last great exports for Britain. It's not art for arts sake, it's art as commerce, art as an industry, art as a significant part of GDP. It's an investment not a luxury.
It's also a class issue. The wealthy can afford facilities, art education, access, materials ... the cuts target those who benefit from arts at school, in the community and from the grassroots. This goes hand in hand with attacks on arts and humanities in the Higher Education sector
We have, at least, finally had a change of government. As a country, however, we are in such a mess that lots needs sorting, lots needs funding. How quickly the Arts can be revived is anyone's guess, but at least we no longer have the party in control responsible for overseeing the decline.
The Arts is so fundamental. Libraries, museums, dance, making music, writing, painting 🎨 etc... it is shameful. Especially with so much poverty...the arts can be a godsend.
I agree. Its almost like the impact of the Arts during Covid especially during the lockdowns have been forgotten. People were inspired, comforted, brought together by all sorts of arts, craft and creative expression. It was self evident that the Arts were a source of great inspiration and meaning to so many. How has that been walked away from. The Tories have always been Philistines when it comes to the arts. Slashing budgets at community and national level. The price of everything and the value of nothing. Even when the Creative Arts is a multi billion industry.
Two things, firstly, the cost of living crisis is really a take from the poor to give to rich issue. And that needs solving before all other problems. Secondly, there are artists from all disciplines on every street, in every village, town and city. The closed doors for most are industry made. Try getting a foot in the door in your talent area. Unless you are one of the in crowd, what chance making a living? The arts is one of, if not the most exclusive industries in the world. Those who have the power, they decide who gets to play in their game. Talent of the individual so often has nothing to do with it.
The governments since 2010 have created a hostile environment aimed against the Arts and Music, this was particularly exasperated by Brexit and Covid. Stopping free movement of touring musicians across the EU has terribly affected the live music scene. Working class would be young musicians can no longer feel safe drawing benefits whilst developing their careers. Formerly during the 60s 70s 80s and early 90s, been able to draw dole whilst developing musically was crucial in creating the world dominating British music scene. Today we would have no David Bowies, or Led Zeppelins etc etc, those guys would have to work 50 hours a week for Deliveroo just to scrape the roof over their heads. If Britain ignores or spites its working class potential, its little wonder that we as a formerly great country will slide down the slippery slope into obscurity. With a new Government what are they going to do to grown the arts and music economy? What will Lisa Nandy the new arts and culture secretory do? There has to be some way that ordinary people can have the space to develop in arts and music without severe financial penalties and hardship
Dear Melvyn, Thank you for being such an inspiration and a guide in my education. I left school at fourteen with no qualifications. I am a stonemason, and in a ‘whisper’ ..... a poet. One good teacher can make all the difference in the world. That for me has been you. I wish you all health and happiness.
God bless you
Tony
In our time
Thank you for putting into words what has been in our hearts for a generation. The Arts provide so much, not just in terms of our sense of wellbeing, our sense of self and national identity, but also financially here in the UK and as an export. It also brings joy and right now that feels essential.
Couldn't agree more. Art is the gift that keeps on giving
Thank you Melvyn, as an artist in Britain I feel lost.
The arts is one of the last 'non skilled' entry level opportunities for the academically challenged. I built a career in the arts, from zero qualifications, never needed to go on the dole, I pay taxes and been lucky enough to create job opportunities for others in a similar position. I'm one of hundreds of people I've met who didn't fit in at school, but we're saved by drama, music and local arts organisations. The arts are one of the last great exports for Britain. It's not art for arts sake, it's art as commerce, art as an industry, art as a significant part of GDP. It's an investment not a luxury.
Wonderful comment. I completely agree.🎨👌
Absolutely. I hope the new government will do something to put right the disastrous neglect and attack on the arts
Thank you Melvin for making our lives so very much richer.....Stina xxxx
Brilliantly said thank goodness for you ❤
I think the medium for art has changed it’s on the internet. 😂
Fully agree with you Melvyn
I completly agree! Art is so vital and enriching! I have made the arts my life after not thiving at school. The arts support learning in so many ways.
Thank you, Melvyn.
Andrew Wright
Thank you Melvyn . I would like to get involved somehow as an artist I feel lost.
It's also a class issue. The wealthy can afford facilities, art education, access, materials ... the cuts target those who benefit from arts at school, in the community and from the grassroots. This goes hand in hand with attacks on arts and humanities in the Higher Education sector
We have, at least, finally had a change of government. As a country, however, we are in such a mess that lots needs sorting, lots needs funding. How quickly the Arts can be revived is anyone's guess, but at least we no longer have the party in control responsible for overseeing the decline.
The Arts is so fundamental. Libraries, museums, dance, making music, writing, painting 🎨 etc... it is shameful. Especially with so much poverty...the arts can be a godsend.
Let's hope our new government will begin to address this problem - not least by re-establishing links with - and travel to - Europe and beyond.
People can live without the art of Tracey Emin.
Too much focus on I T these days, so glad I grew up in the 60's and 70's.
I agree. Its almost like the impact of the Arts during Covid especially during the lockdowns have been forgotten. People were inspired, comforted, brought together by all sorts of arts, craft and creative expression. It was self evident that the Arts were a source of great inspiration and meaning to so many. How has that been walked away from. The Tories have always been Philistines when it comes to the arts. Slashing budgets at community and national level. The price of everything and the value of nothing. Even when the Creative Arts is a multi billion industry.
Two things, firstly, the cost of living crisis is really a take from the poor to give to rich issue. And that needs solving before all other problems. Secondly, there are artists from all disciplines on every street, in every village, town and city. The closed doors for most are industry made. Try getting a foot in the door in your talent area. Unless you are one of the in crowd, what chance making a living? The arts is one of, if not the most exclusive industries in the world. Those who have the power, they decide who gets to play in their game. Talent of the individual so often has nothing to do with it.
🤣🤣🤣
The governments since 2010 have created a hostile environment aimed against the Arts and Music, this was particularly exasperated by Brexit and Covid. Stopping free movement of touring musicians across the EU has terribly affected the live music scene. Working class would be young musicians can no longer feel safe drawing benefits whilst developing their careers. Formerly during the 60s 70s 80s and early 90s, been able to draw dole whilst developing musically was crucial in creating the world dominating British music scene. Today we would have no David Bowies, or Led Zeppelins etc etc, those guys would have to work 50 hours a week for Deliveroo just to scrape the roof over their heads. If Britain ignores or spites its working class potential, its little wonder that we as a formerly great country will slide down the slippery slope into obscurity.
With a new Government what are they going to do to grown the arts and music economy? What will Lisa Nandy the new arts and culture secretory do? There has to be some way that ordinary people can have the space to develop in arts and music without severe financial penalties and hardship