Arts programmes on the BBC.

On the BBC News this morning it was announced that arts programme funding will be increased by a fifth in by the organisation. At the moment there in something of a backwater. The Review Show has been relegated from weekly to to once per month. So this change in policy is to be applauded as the arts enrich all our lives. I'm sure its linked to the appointment of the new Director General Lord Tony Hall who was head of the Royal Opera House until recently. In the past the arts have been seen as elitist, but over the last few years that has changed and they have been democratized. In part this is to do with schemes like - Travelex run by the National Theatre. Also the opening ceremony of the Olympics in 2012 helped more people to see the important role creativity plays in the life of the country. The Turner prize that brings the spotlight onto contemporary art. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and Frieze Art Fare. The annual jamboree that is the Edinburgh Festival gives the arts a good plug. The musical cornucopia of the Proms. The enormous number of book festivals, like Cheltenham Hay-on-Wye. Perhaps shows like Britain's Got Talent have made a difference in perception? In addition Britain is rather good at the culture stuff we have a vibrant arts industry. So all-in-all good news for a change in the art world.