Thomas Marks criticises the BBC’s decision to report the purchase of top art by universities as ‘furnishing’.
Perhaps the most misguided art news report of the past fortnight was a confected story on the BBC website, claiming that universities in England have spent £20 million on art in the past five years. That figure provided an excuse for knee-jerk criticism by Unison, the public service union, who accused universities of opting for ‘style over substance’, suggested that art did not ‘enhance teaching’ and indicated that acquisitions were somehow depriving low paid staff of ‘a decent standard of living’.
The article set out its stall by remarking that universities have bought art ‘to furnish their buildings or museums’... Keep reading on Apollo Magazine
Perhaps the most misguided art news report of the past fortnight was a confected story on the BBC website, claiming that universities in England have spent £20 million on art in the past five years. That figure provided an excuse for knee-jerk criticism by Unison, the public service union, who accused universities of opting for ‘style over substance’, suggested that art did not ‘enhance teaching’ and indicated that acquisitions were somehow depriving low paid staff of ‘a decent standard of living’.
The article set out its stall by remarking that universities have bought art ‘to furnish their buildings or museums’... Keep reading on Apollo Magazine