As the parents and carers among us will no doubt testify, our own memories of school holidays as a child dont tally that closely with the experience of most children today. Thirty years ago, leisure activities for families were limited. Pubs and restaurants were no-go areas. The age of the multiplex had not dawned and the out-of-town complexes with bowling alleys, pizzerias and shopping opportunities were but a gleam in some property developers eye. There were no such things as activity weeks (whether arts, sports or any other pursuit for that matter). And it was tough luck on those who couldnt afford to pay for their children to join in any local activities that were going on social inclusion wasnt on any list of government priorities. Our cultural centres reflected attitudes at the time: many arts and heritage organisations offered a forbidding reception where, as Lindsay Brooks (p5) notes, some staff were more likely to scowl at children than provide any sort of welcome.
Fortunately, this summer, many arts venues will be happily ringing to the sound of families at play, and much of the progress that has been achieved can be attributed to the growth of the service economy in this country. Sam Jones (p10) makes the point that we now expect a personalised service from the institutions we engage with, be they accountants, bakers, chemists or, indeed, arts organisations. Increased family friendliness is one way in which arts venues have effectively coped with the demands of audiences and the competition from other leisure activities. Later opening, more varied performance times, better use of arts spaces, improved opportunities for participation and, most of all, better use of technology all play a vital part in maintaining the place of the arts in public affections. So, while youre waiting to be issued with your bowling shoes, standing in the check-in at Gatwick, or buying your popcorn on the way in to see Stormbreaker, its worth taking a moment to contemplate this consumer revolution and to ask whether your organisation is doing all it might to embrace the future.
Have a great summer.
Liz Hill and Brian Whitehead, Co-editors
ArtsProfessional is taking a short break over the summer were back at the end of August.