Forest Arts Music Hub

Melvyn Bragg has issued a rallying cry for the arts.

His speech in the House of Lords, launching a debate on the contribution of the arts to our economy and society, has already been viewed over a million times.

Lord Bragg argued that the arts are "the opportunity this society needs to reform itself, to replenish all parts and pockets". He expressed concern about local authority budget cuts and widening inequality in arts education, saying "enormous rewards could follow from building up the arts".

Responding for the Government, Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said that ministers "agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments Lord Bragg put forward". He acknowledged that the arts "remain an integral part of our national life" and are "an essential part of what makes life worth living".

See the video on the Campaign for the Arts website, or on YouTube here