Schools: Arts Subjects

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch Excerpts

Wednesday 12th February 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

I am not aware of anything done since that analysis but I shall certainly investigate and, if I find one, I will notify the noble Lord. I will certainly consider whether such an analysis would be appropriate.

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware of just how disillusioned the arts community is with the Government’s education reforms? Certainly, in all the meetings that I have with the arts community, it consistently sends out a message about how it feels that arts education in schools is marginalised and devalued. I think that the Secretary of State bears some responsibility for this. Going back to the noble Earl’s original Question, when is the Secretary of State going to champion the arts, speak up for them and recognise the massive contribution that they make to our economy and society?