Arts and Creative Industries

Debate between Harriet Harman and Alison McGovern

Wednesday 19th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Ms Harman]

I do share that concern. I recognise the umbrella and the opportunity for many independent producers that the channel provides.

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

My right hon. and learned Friend is making an important point about survival. Does she agree that, although the economic case for the arts is well made, in the regions we also need our identities to survive? That is what local authorities, in partnership with the Government, should be able to do through the arts. In the city region of Merseyside where I grew up, we did not have much but we did have the Everyman theatre and Walker art gallery, which meant so much to our identity. That is exactly the kind of survival that we need right now.

[Ms Harman]

I absolutely agree. The spark that was lit in my hon. Friend is carried through to her support for the arts in her constituency to this day.

The Culture Secretary should be working with the arts and creative industries to develop a clear, confident strategy and make sure that it is delivered. We must be sure that the opportunities are there for young people to experience and participate in the arts—at school, at college and through apprenticeships—so that they can make their way into earning their livings in the arts.