Why don’t the Conservatives want to talk about arts and culture?

By Ben Walmsley, Professor of Cultural Engagement; Director of the Centre for Cultural Value, University of Leeds

The arts and cultural sector is facing a multitude of challenges. With COVID and cost of living crisis following hot on the heels of a decade of funding cuts, many organisations have had to strip back their programmes. Some have closed altogether.

In the face of this stark reality, the Conservative party’s 2024 manifesto feels short on solutions. Over 80 pages, “arts” and “culture” are each mentioned only once. This is compared to “heritage”, which is addressed six times.

The…

Read complete article

~	China: Authorities must end interference in Tibetan religious practices as Dalai Lama announces succession plan

~	Girls, Women Under Constant Threat in South Sudan

~	Supervision gaps can lead to child abuse – what can be done?

~	Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians

~	Redefining freedom of creativity in captivity: The art of Ukrainian prisoners

~	Cambodia: Mother Nature Activists in Prison One Year

~	Guatemala: Water Law Urgently Needed

~	What is aflatoxin, the toxic chemical behind Coles’ peanut butter recall?

~	Parents are feeling anxious about men in childcare centres. Stronger rules would make everyone feel safer

~	Australians will soon need their age checked to log into online search tools – here’s why