The arts.

Today on Radio 4 there was a very good programme on then arts. Apparently only 8% of us are sufficiently motivated to take an interest in the arts. This may be in whatever form they take: theatre, opera, ballet, classical music art galleries, museums etc. Why is this the case? There are clearly many reasons and causes, but the primary two are in my opinion class and education. If we consider for a moment the question of class. There appears to be an invisible wall that separates the working classes from most forms of the arts. Its as if it doesn't belong to their world, its unfamiliar to their experience. This of course connects to the vexed issue of education. This might potentially be the best way into the arts but is often blocked by the strictures of the national curriculum, that doesn't include the arts in the national assessment vis a vis league table and the like. If we are to fire our imaginations and perceptions with ideas - the sine qua non as the philosopher Mary Warnock in her book Imagination argues - is the touchstone of a civilized society we need the arts. They inform all our lives whether we pursue the sciences or other walks in life. In the election in May we must get politicians to address the question of the arts and there role in our society. They are not an add-on but necessary.