opinions please!!

sisbod

Normally I am not very political(with a small p) but in a conversation on the bloomin Facebook I responded in a very outspoken way - what are your thoughts on my comments? The convo originated around a really bad work week of overwork and unrealistic self expectation and a longing for being able to be effective in my work!

(Friend) I predict that in around 5 years time, having bred another age of teenagers who have had little artistic input, there will be more arts funding - what goes around comes around.

Me Unfortunately I agree but whilst it is easier to kick the young ones whilst their down I think it is going to be a bit longer. I really think that we need to forget education as a way of finding resolution! the only consolation is that everyone is seeing the huge gap of wealth and the increased them and us! Money is not the answer communication and an 'up yours' attitude looks like the way to go at the moment ! Ironically it looks like the less ambitious you are the better you are going to be! Settling for food (be it homegrown or bought but always home cooked)a roof over your head even if it is cramped and doing it yourself with minimum input from officials will be the aspiration and the university of life skills will become the valued commodities. For example if you can make or grow things then you will be valuable - if you understand health and what contributes to it other than medicines then you will be deemed to be held in high esteem - think between the wars and just after and the make do and mend and there are huge comparatives to our society!!!
oops rant suddenly jumped out!!! so in answer to your comment Friend, the arts will come to the fore eventually but it will be from a bottom up approach and the Kirsty who-sits homemade stylee will be the only arts experience at least a couple of generations but there is going to be some bloody god awful decor in between!

Is this me being cynical or have I had a lightbulb moment?:cool:

daisiegg

I'm not sure I really get what either of you are on about, sorry!

ETA just read through it again more slowly and I see what you are saying, but I don't see how it relates to what your friend said, and I also don't think I really agree with what you are saying!

sisbod

I think the main crux of the matter is that both of us have had experience where the arts are a method of increasing self esteem and emotional literacy which in turn increases self determination, ambition and ultimately aspirations. As such I was trying to say that 'free/lateral/ outside of the box thinking' is discouraged and the arts are being squeezed out of education therefore making robots of children which reduces the skills for the world of work. Equally those that do have the skills are ostricised from education as they are not conforming to the prescribed ideals of what an education actually means.

GreyQueen

Hmmmm, having worked in the arts (theatre) and knowing people who still do, plus working in local government these days, my prediction for 5 years ahead and longer is that most arts funding will be cut to the very bone, or will disappear altogether. Things are getting very tight and my LA like lots of others is under round after round of spending review.

The situation is that if it isn't a mandatory service, it's on the table for discussion about cutting. We're talking millions disappearing from each LAs budget each year. With the pips squeaking, they're going to be funding the bread not the circuses.

I agree with your paragraph but it doesn't seem to segue with the one from the Friend - was there a bit in between? If I had a young person of my own to advise, I would encourage them to learn a traditional trade (or trades).

sisbod

Grey Queen - thanks you explained it all so well!

You are absolutely right the trades are the way to go- now all the young people need is to have some security.

maman

Like others, I did find your argument a little difficult to follow but I get the gist. I'm not sure I agree 100% with your idea of the way forward BUT:

• I'm delighted to hear that you and your friends have reasoned discussions on FB. Glad to hear that all convos (?) are not inane rubbish as I'd been led to believe
• what's wrong with being political amongst your friendship circle be they RL or virtual. It's good to have an opinion!!

storytime

I agree with GreyQueen , local council funded arts are being cut to the bone. I also work in public services, in a library and I think libraries will be a thing of the past. Museums and tourist centres are other targets. I don't think our museums and art galleries will be free to visit for much longer.On the other hand apprenterships are "in"again, so I agree the young should go into a recognised trade.

meritaten

Do we still have 'Libraries' as such? I stopped going because the 'Book' department kept getting smaller and smaller! because the computer dept kept expanding! and then they needed a storytelling 'corner' (which got used once a month for an hour), then 'local' information got given half a bookcase - previously it was on a stand in the foyer.
also, all the books on the shelves were so tatty - to get to read a new book you had to join the waiting list. and the same books kept circulating round the libraries, again and again and again! waste of time going there. I just buy from charity shops now and we circulate the books round the family before 're-donating'.
I happen to believe the Arts are very important to society and think its a shame that this government is cutting funding so severely!