§ 41. Mr. Greenwayasked the Minister for the Arts what priority the Arts Council gives to promoting arts for school pupils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceThe Arts Council and the regional arts associations actively encourage all their clients to develop and implement educational policies.
§ Mr. GreenwayHow do those bodies encourage artists to go into schools, and facilitate first-class productions at places such as Stratford-on-Avon for children to see special performances for schools? Does my right hon. Friend accept that efforts with children at this stage will establish an interest in the arts for life, and that that is important?
§ Mr. LuceI agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of the subject. The Arts Council has established a specific allocation of funds for educational development work, which amounts to £320,000 in 1986–87. That, in itself, is a substantial increase on the previous financial year. In addition, some of the regional arts associations fund placement schemes for writers, artists, musicians and so on to operate within schools to inspire and encourage the young. That is the right way to encourage schools to participate in arts activities.