Take that, Mr Dowden!

[DracoM]

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jul/03/oliver-dowden-arts-crisis-michael-billington#comments

[pastoralguy]

The truth is that the tory party are not interested in newspaper articles, petitions or public opinion. They have a huge majority in government and a very long time until the next general election and so can afford to ignore these things.

I feel that this government see 'The Arts' in the same way they see the NHS, that is a bi-product of the post WW2 democratisation of health care and the desire to see 'Culture' as being for all. I don't believe that The Arts will be allowed to die in London but The Provinces? Well, lets face it - it's not looking good?

[DracoM]

So all that 'levelling up' rhetoric is nonsense? Provinces Arts can die?

[MrGongGong]

So all that 'levelling up' rhetoric is nonsense? Provinces Arts can die?

It's bullshit and bollocks

[oddoneout]

So all that 'levelling up' rhetoric is nonsense? Provinces Arts can die?

Considering they don't seem that fussed about the London situation the provinces don't stand a chance do they?

[LMcD]

So all that 'levelling up' rhetoric is nonsense? Provinces Arts can die?

(a) As rhetoric is usually deployed as an alternative to action, then 'Yes'.
(b) As they probably don't realize that there are any arts in the provinces, then 'Yes'.

[teamsaint]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/boris-johnson-uk-lifeline-arts-heritage-sector-afloat

I have no idea if this will be a satisfactory response, esp for smaller outfits, freelancers etc.
Hopefully the Nuffield in Southampton will re-emerge in some viable form.

[ardcarp]

The announcement is welcome. As always with such government announcements there are uncertainties, especially with regard to who gets a tranche of the cash and how they apply for it.

[MrGongGong]

The devil is in the detail
but the key thing IMV is that support is extended to the vast numbers of musicians, artists, technicains, actors etc who are freelance and self-employed
There's no point having a building when those who make the work to go in it have no support.

[ardcarp]

but the key thing IMV is that support is extended to the vast numbers of musicians, artists, technicains, actors etc who are freelance and self-employed

Agree absolutely.

[DracoM]

The devil is in the detail
but the key thing IMV is that support is extended to the vast numbers of musicians, artists, technicains, actors etc who are freelance and self-employed
There's no point having a building when those who make the work to go in it have no support.

[oddoneout]

As acknowledgement that there is a problem to be addressed it is a start. I just wonder how much of it is 'new' money and how much is rehashed or vired from elsewhere as is the PMs much trumpeted recent splash the cash, Build x3 gimmick. Emergency life-saving is essential but if further down the line the response is 'you've had all the money, you're alive, now go away' it is only postponing the problem.