Kwei-Armah calls for urgent action on arts in schools

Outgoing artistic director of the Young Vic, Kwame Kwei-Armah, has warned that diversity in the theatre industry will suffer unless government takes urgent action to improve drama and art provision in schools.

The Guardian reports that while Kwei-Armah thinks opportunities for actors from minority backgrounds have “improved exponentially” in recent times, cuts to arts education pose a danger to progress.

“If drama and art is not properly provisioned in our schools, we may be having the same debate around class and race again in 10 years’ time,” he said.

“It’s a priority for us all to make sure we communicate with the government that they need to make interventions in this area.”

A review of the school curriculum is currently in progress as part of government plans to increase access to creative courses.

Led by Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, it is due to report next year.

Speaking in March, Kier Starmer said all children will be able to study a creative arts subject or sport until they’re 16.

“Every young person must have access to music, art, design and drama. That is our mission. Because we know that for our creative industries to flourish, every child needs to be given a chance,” he said.