Would You Care If Theatres And ‘ The Arts ‘ Disappeared?

[naomi24]

This question arises from a thread in News about using tax payer money to fund the Arts.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1725223.html

In my opinion in that instance, the money wasn’t put to the best use, but in general would you be sorry if the arts were no more?

[Mamyalynne]

I'd be saddened if Theatres and such started to disappear, as said they are the source of so much talent and pleasure.

[aelmpvw]

the loss of a theatre would be missed a lot more than a random drag artist who appeals to a minority audience

[woofgang]

To answer the first part of the question, I think its how you define "the arts" In normal circumstances, I tend to side with Paul Daniels who said words to the effect that no one subsidised variety shows and if people wanted ballet (insert the medium of your choice here) they should pay for it. but.....these are not normal times and the jobs of all the backstagers and allied businesses are as entitled to be supported as any other employee.

[barry1010]

Yes

[teacake44]

In times such as we are experiencing at the moment, and who knows for how long, its pretty obvious, well to me anyhow, that we have far to many priorities, or may be what other people consider as such.
But in a nutshell, we will, or the powers that be, be forced to prioritize. To survive, you need a roof over your head, food, and if your very lucky warmth, we've got used to far far more than that, and can't seem to cope with anything less, or not willing to do so. To answer the question, if there are thousands of people earning their living from this area, then it will have to be considered, if its just propped up to please the likes of Andrew L Webber and the like of for pleasure, then no.

[woofgang]

OMG I agree with teacake.

[burlyshirley]

I'd miss the theatre badly, I'm a big fan of musical theatre, like many people.

[allenlondon]

Bread and circuses.

You could put spectator sports on the same bonfire for all I’d care!

[Zacs-Master]

Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you a fantastic example of the missplacing of Govt funds.......
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8870099/Drag-artist-Le-Gateau-Chocolat-handed-215k-coronavirus-culture-fund.html

[bednobs]

fgs does no body read either the OP or the answers before they post?

[teacake44]

And they say it will help towards the hiring of freelance workers, I wonder how many of those freelancers pay their share of taxes?

[naomi24]

Allen, //You could put spectator sports on the same bonfire for all I’d care! //

And would you put all those who rely upon all of that to earn their living on the bonfire too?

[naomi24]

bednobs, difficult isn't it.

[Apc2604]

I agree with Woofie, who agrees with TeaCake! I have two fairly close relative who are theatre lighting specialists and feel for them at the moment as they have a young family to support. Unfortunately, though priorities have to been the industries that feed us, and heat us this winter. I see the arts as important to enhance life, and the revenue they create as important, but not one the necessities of life.

[aelmpvw]

//I see the arts as important to enhance life, and the revenue they create as important//

so do i but i don't think the 'artist' who has received nearly a quarter of million quid will achieve either

[Mamyalynne]

There was a piece on TV last week about some theatres being temporarily repurposed as Courts to help clear the backlog that has built up during Covid restrictions.

The strange part was the number of locals interviewed who didn't think it an appropriate use of the buildings - I thought it an excellent way to bring in some funds.

[teacake44]

^^Ha ha, brilliant, and there's enough seats to bring them in, lets say blocks of 20 for the same offence, done in one :0))))

[Zacs-Master]

No idea, gulli. Go figure.