Labour launches Arts Alliance

An initiative aimed at bringing together “all those who care about the arts and who share our vision for a 21st century arts policy which delivers arts for all” has been launched by Shadow Culture Secretary Harriet Harman MP. Announced at the Labour party conference in Manchester last week, Labour Arts Alliance aims to make the case for the arts and campaign for the return of a Labour Government. It will involve a “national network of people in the arts and creative industries” and will facilitate “the sharing of objectives and best practice”, devising a strategy for the growth of the sector and contributing policy ideas for the 2015 manifesto and beyond.

Harriet Harman said: “The arts are fundamental to what it is to be human. For each individual, for all our communities and for the British economy. That is why a future Labour Government would ensure the arts are for everyone, not just for some – with real focus on young people.”

Support for Labour Arts Alliance has been voiced by a wide range of prominent figures from politics, the arts, media and beyond. Pledging his support, Sir Tony Robinson said: “Labour has a long track record of valuing the arts and providing an environment in which everyone can enjoy the benefits of a cultural education. This gives young people the opportunity to discover their own inner talents and develop as individuals. On receiving my knighthood I said I would use my title ‘with abandon to highlight the causes I believe in, particularly the importance of culture, the arts and heritage’ and I am delighted to do so with my support for the Labour Arts Alliance.”