Britain (Commonwealth)_Labour has raised concerns about the government’s approach to arts and culture education, claiming that it is stifling children’s creativity and damaging the talent pipeline for Britain’s creative industries. The party believes that the arts are being squeezed out of schools due to budget constraints, teacher shortages, and the reduced importance of arts and culture subjects in school accountability measures. Labour condemns the government’s narrative that places the arts as secondary to other subjects, resulting in low morale among teachers and a decrease in arts provision. The party is committed to placing the creative and cultural sectors at the forefront of its mission to grow the economy.
During a panel on arts education, Barbara Keeley, the shadow arts minister, highlighted the alarming decline in the number of students taking arts GCSEs, which has dropped by 40% since 2010. Additionally, there has been a 27% reduction in students taking music, despite the UK music industry contributing £4bn to the economy in 2021. Drama teachers in state-funded secondary schools have decreased by 22% since 2011, with a 15% decline in music teachers and a 12% decline in art and design teachers during the same period. Furthermore, the number of art and design trainee teachers has nearly halved in the past two years.
Keeley emphasized that the government’s focus on reducing arts, culture, and creative subjects is counterproductive. She believes that arts subjects and experiences have been systematically excluded and downgraded within the state-funded education system, denying young people the opportunity to explore their full potential. It is concerning that these subjects are becoming increasingly accessible only to families who can afford fee-paying schools, while the benefits of arts education are vast for students, society, and the economy.
Labour also highlighted the impact of rising costs on school trips and outings, leading to a reduction in opportunities for children and young people to experience live performances. A survey conducted by UK Music revealed that over half of parents consider the quality of a school’s music education when deciding where to send their child.
Keeley pledged that Labour would provide every child with a broad and balanced education that fosters creativity. Their approach to education aims to ensure that all children and young people have access to high-quality arts, culture, and creativity in their lives, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to thrive and progress.
It is worth noting that last year, the Conservatives faced criticism when Dominic Raab mocked Angela Rayner for attending the Glyndebourne opera festival, labeling her a “champagne socialist.” Boris Johnson’s spokesperson later stated that the party believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy arts, culture, and similar experiences across the UK.
In addition to concerns regarding arts and culture education in schools, several universities have made cuts to arts and humanities provision following a government crackdown on what ministers deem as “low-value” courses. Universities may face penalties if fewer than 60% of undergraduates secure professional jobs or pursue further degrees within 15 months of graduating. Renowned authors like Philip Pullman have expressed concerns over Sheffield Hallam University’s decision to suspend its English literature degree last year.
Labour’s friendly message encourages a greater emphasis on arts and culture education, recognizing its significant impact on children’s development, the creative economy, and society as a whole. The party aims to ensure that every child has access to arts and cultural experiences, nurturing their creativity and providing them with the necessary skills to succeed in various domains.
