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Mayor of Islington Barbara Smith with Caroline Parker, from Shape Arts, who used sign language for two songs |
Mayor says high art is really for the likes of you and me, after all
A NIGHT at the ballet might seem like an evening’s entertainment reserved for the rich – but it shouldn’t be.
This was the message from Islington Mayor Councillor Barbara Smith on Monday night who called on all kinds of art to be enjoyed by all.
She said: “We have the attitude in this country that art, music, dance, theatre, ballet and opera are ‘not for the likes of us’. My chosen mayoral charity, Sadler’s Wells Connect, upholds the tradition of the great Lilian Baylis, who believed that the arts should be accessible to everyone.”
Cllr Smith was speaking at a special council meeting held at Finsbury Town Hall to discuss how residents can make the most of the borough’s culture.
Guests watched a series of musical performances from the Urdang Dance Company, the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School Choir, Shape Arts and the Alevi Culture Centre.
Sarah Weir, the Executive Director of the Arts Council who lives in Islington, said the council must “make more of the opportunities under its nose”, particularly given the area’s cultural wealth.
She said: “Culture should not just be for the privileged few. The ability to achieve your own creative potential, and in the process have your life transformed by the power of the arts, should be available to everyone.”
Spliced between the speeches, and attesting to this power, were some entrancing performances from local groups the Urdang Dance Company, the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School Choir, Shape Arts and the Alevi Cultural Centre. |
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