What would arts professionals like to see politicians offering to their sector after the forthcoming election? We asked our readers and writers for their views?
I seriously hope that there will be at least some discussion during the campaign about how the explosion of interest in the arts can be sustained during the next few years. Many things are needed, but at heart the issues are the same as with any other public service ? we need greater investment and less bureaucracy!
Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
A general election featuring the arts as a positive issue? Fantasy! A great advance would be for Parliament to maintain an Arts Register, so we see the cultural proclivities of our politicians. Censorship is the key issue ahead.
Jatinder Verma, Artistic Director, Tara Arts
In relation to the arts, I?d like to see whoever is in the next government actually carry out the current government?s stated policy of ensuring that 20% to 30% of government spending should benefit the 10% most socially disadvantaged. I?d also like to see the Arts Council take their Royal Charter seriously and carry out, more imaginatively and wholeheartedly than they do, the strongly expressed statements of the Queen in her Christmas Message extolling the great virtues of cultural diversity.
Philip Hedley, Chair of EQ
I hope a new government articulates the importance of the arts in attracting domestic and international visitors ? not just for the high arts, but also for the innovative work in which we?re so rich. We need a new language to advocate for the arts, and new ways to measure their impact.
Paul Kaynes, Chief Executive, Audiences Central
The current social inclusion agenda from New Labour is useful for the arts world. However, I believe that all parties are still denying the fruitful and effective way the arts can contribute to society!
Susan Ashmore, Chief Executive Officer, Anne Peaker Centre for Arts in Criminal Justice
I would like to see politicians prioritising real equality of opportunity in the arts for all young people, regardless of their social or economic background.
Christina Coker, Chief Executive, Youth Music
I would like to see at least one of the parties arguing that the citizens of this country are as enitled to good arts provision as they are to good schools and good hospitals ? and that the quality of our arts provision will henceforth be one of the measures that will be used to gauge of the success of the country.
Simon Mellor, Executive Director, Lyric Hammersmith
Despite significant improvements in arts funding since the late 90s, the Government?s commitment has wavered recently, and still seems pitiful in comparison to some of our European counterparts. We want a government that fully understands and supports the huge impact the arts can have on the quality of people?s lives.
Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director, Graeae
Free admission is not audience development, it is like Caesar giving the Romans ?bread and circuses? to win votes.
Robert Sanderson, Arts Portfolio
The Rover crisis floodlights the strategic importance of developing intellectual property. We need an inspired and rewarding policy; let?s hear who has this at heart.
Howard Raynor, Chief Executive, Bridgewater Hall
The promises are, on the whole, encouraging? We want to make sure that all government departments hear the voice of the arts.
Victoria Todd, Director, National Campaign for the Arts
We owe it to our collective memory to avoid at all costs a return to the cultural slash and burn of the Tories. We owe it to our artists and audiences to campaign for sustained investment. We owe it to ourselves, despite the last settlement, to vote for a third Labour term.
Anne Millman, Director, Matthews Millman Ltd
Wouldn?t it be nice if politicians opened their minds to the arts, then opened their mouths and made real, meaningful and lasting arts funding commitments.
Eddie Upton, Director, Folk South West
It?s education, education, education all the way. Whichever party wins, this is where the debates, challenges ? and potentially greatest opportunities ? will lie for community musicians. Bring it on, I say.
Kathryn Deane, Director, Sound Sense
There is currently a strong awareness in government for disability issues, especially around access to the arts. Whoever wins, it is vital that this isn?t lost.
Steve Mannix, Chief Executive, Shape
You can bet your bottom dollar that the Tories will not improve the situation for the arts or for creativity in education? It would give me no heartache whatsoever to vote for whosoever will keep them out, as I have done all my life.
Kate Cross, Head of Education, Bath Theatre Royal
Let art speak for itself. Value the vision of creative artists. Don?t force us into paying lip-service to social agendas.
Simon Reade, Artistic Director, Bristol Old Vic
Do you remember what the parties were promising following the 2001 election? And what did our readers say they were hoping for then? Check out the ArtsProfessional archive for 21 May 2001 ? online at http://www.artsprofessional.co.uk