You’ve really got to the heart of the matter, here. I do hope many influential people will take the time to read and digest your analysis. Although I’m definitely not an optimistic person, having lived and taught throughout the Blair years and beyond, I do feel there is a little more compassion behind this new lot. What you say about the reasoning behind New Labour’s arts spending and investment in art education is true, but at least government leanings inspired Hampshire (the Tory/slightly Liberal county I worked in) to splash out on a rethink of art education involving teachers across all subjects and age sectors. Art “Advisors” and other professionals who held views very like yours about the value of art in society, began to have conversations with colleges educating teachers. It was beginning to trickle down to teachers in the classroom and impact children’s lives, but in a patchy, disjointed manner. We didn’t have Progress 8 but with the National Curriculum in infancy but even with financial funding for the arts improved, it was a struggle to be heard. Your niggles all existed then and it was far from being a coherent, holistic cross-country approach that every child experienced. That’s why I believe your call for a complete analytical political reset about ‘value’ is required, so we don’t all disappear down the same rabbit hole again. Thank-you for the research, collaboration and hard work you have already committed in speaking up for the value of art in society and humanity at large, voicing the very real fears and anxieties at the heart of the call for ‘change’ in this country. I wish you every success at bending ears. I have only a few friends (non politically influential) with which to share this, but those teachers I worked with back in the day may read and take heart that there are like minded champions of humanity still sharing what many of us felt at that time. Many thanks, Paula.
Thank you Frances. Like you say our concerns are not new, they've been stewing for years. Thanks for sharing, and for supporting - always valued. Always hopeful - thanks Frances
You’ve really got to the heart of the matter, here. I do hope many influential people will take the time to read and digest your analysis. Although I’m definitely not an optimistic person, having lived and taught throughout the Blair years and beyond, I do feel there is a little more compassion behind this new lot. What you say about the reasoning behind New Labour’s arts spending and investment in art education is true, but at least government leanings inspired Hampshire (the Tory/slightly Liberal county I worked in) to splash out on a rethink of art education involving teachers across all subjects and age sectors. Art “Advisors” and other professionals who held views very like yours about the value of art in society, began to have conversations with colleges educating teachers. It was beginning to trickle down to teachers in the classroom and impact children’s lives, but in a patchy, disjointed manner. We didn’t have Progress 8 but with the National Curriculum in infancy but even with financial funding for the arts improved, it was a struggle to be heard. Your niggles all existed then and it was far from being a coherent, holistic cross-country approach that every child experienced. That’s why I believe your call for a complete analytical political reset about ‘value’ is required, so we don’t all disappear down the same rabbit hole again. Thank-you for the research, collaboration and hard work you have already committed in speaking up for the value of art in society and humanity at large, voicing the very real fears and anxieties at the heart of the call for ‘change’ in this country. I wish you every success at bending ears. I have only a few friends (non politically influential) with which to share this, but those teachers I worked with back in the day may read and take heart that there are like minded champions of humanity still sharing what many of us felt at that time. Many thanks, Paula.
Thank you Frances. Like you say our concerns are not new, they've been stewing for years. Thanks for sharing, and for supporting - always valued. Always hopeful - thanks Frances