Artcrimes

This week saw the Arts Council England announcing who they would and would not support with funding, inasmuch as their own funding is being sliced away by our glorious Coalition government. There has been more transparency than in previous years but, at the end of the day, what can you say to those who didn’t get what they wanted ? I am lucky to live in the north east of England. Nothing beats a day wandering down to the Quayside to enjoy a cuppa in The Sage and spend hours in the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Then, across the river to walk up to the lovely Side Gallery, which always has the most exquisite photography exhibitions….but, oh dear, not anymore…as The Side has lost it’s ACE money and will be no more unless their appeal wins support. Your chance to support them is here, with this online petition: Save The Side Gallery

I was in Baltic on Friday and came down in the lift with a lovely group of senior citizens who had enjoyed the George Shaw exhibition and were chatting away about what a lovely place it was, “even if I don’t always understand the art pet, I still like having a look and trying to work it all oot” …what more can you ask ?

Can you imagine a life without art, music, drama, theatre, being available for all to experience, in whatever way we want ? No, you can’t and neither can I. The creative practitioners who make the Arts happen, and the people who love and enjoy and participate, will always find ways to do it.