What nobody likes to say about arts funding is that from the 60s to the 90s the UK had 3 amazing funding schemes for young artists and musicians. The dole, student grants, and no university fees.

For much of that time, the first two were (just) enough to live on for a single young adult while they went through incredibly important and creative years, developing their art, and keeping them going while trying initially to make their way.

In many ways, the UK has been trading on a cultural reputation (both high and pop culture) that was established by people sustained early on (and often in later lean periods) by the dole and student grants ever since.

Vast cultural influence, irreplaceable soft power and a huge economic contribution looks like a pretty good return, and, as a bonus, you could even have the benefit of people being able to live their lives with some level of dignity, and young people reaching their potential.

I wonder if the ministers & headline writers are listening to art school layabouts like the Stones or Eric Clapton, dole scrounges like The Beatles, Pulp or Oasis, or people who did pointless degrees like opera singers and most of any orchestra while they’re spinning their bile.

Probably just want to dash it off quickly so they can get over to the new exhibition of someone with an economically meaningless art degree who spent 5 years on the dole at the Saatchi. Maybe pick up a piece as an investment.

Can’t stay long though. Don’t want to be late for the pathetic scroungers who are dancing in Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House.

Of course I have Soundcloud and a Youtube channel, but if you really love music or literature or art in any form, and can afford it, please go and buy some, preferably directly from the artist themselves, or from an independent shop.