Would You Care If Theatres And ‘ The Arts ‘ Disappeared?

[naomi24]

This question arises from a thread in News about using tax payer money to fund the Arts.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1725223.html

In my opinion in that instance, the money wasn’t put to the best use, but in general would you be sorry if the arts were no more?

[jim360]

Yes. Even if I don't go often myself, yes.

[Ken4155]

I almost replied that it wouldn't impact on my life if this were to happen, Naomi. However, given that many actors and actresses (of the small and large screen) hone their skills in theatres, then it obviously would. So, yes i'd certainly care.

[rowanwitch]

I would miss galleries, because I go to galleries
I doubt I would miss some of the stranger things that purport to be part within the sphere of theatre/ performing arts but I am not responsible for anyone's definition of what art is. On that basis I feel it would be a shame if theatres etc were to close but not sure how far we should go to prop them up. If when this is over someone opens with a popular musical for example the crowds will return. Mass culture will almost certainly be easy to revive, not so sure it's a bad thing if the fringe stuff doesn't make it.

[Mozz71]

Absolutely, yes. I used to be a frequent theatregoer, and my ex partner used to be employed by our local theatre. I think if the arts disappeared, the country would be a far poorer place without it.

[shoota]

I'd miss the orchestras and would like to save them but the demise of arty-farty dance troupes, 'installations', sculpture and theatre wouldn't bother me at all.

[ichkeria]

"the arts" will never "disappear" as they are a part of all our lives.
But of course subsidies should be given.
At least some theatres are being allowed to hold shows.
It's outrageous that top football venues are still lying empty - as an aside.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Fringe theatres would not exist without government and lottery grants and some are truly awful. Theatres should be businesses and be profitable or not exist. I would not be sorry if the government withdrew all monetary help to the Arts and let them carry on, if they could, as a profitable organisation. The Arts would not just stop overnight it's not that black and white.

[dannyk13]

Personally no,entirely selfish I know,but being housebound does not give the opportunity of going to the theatre or art galleries.

[ichkeria]

Which would of course be the death knell for creative and challenging art all over the country.
Can you imagine if the only thought that went through the director's or the artist's mnd was "will it sell"

[ichkeria]

You can still watch it on the telly presumably ...

[Mozz71]

How will they survive when they are not allowed to open due to coronavirus restrictions Polly? When the only source of income is removed, it's impossible to survive.

[jim360]

Not everything should be run on the grounds of profitability or not. I'm not sure if the Arts in general fits into this picture, but it seems to me that at least *some* of it ought to be regarded as too important to allow to fade away.

[AuntPollyGrey]

// Which would of course be the death knell for creative and challenging art all over the country.//

Creative and challenging art for one person -a load of self-indulgent toss to another. Some Uni dropouts prancing around as unicorns , using the power of dance to describe world climate change is, to me, not art.

[naomi24]

//How will they survive when they are not allowed to open due to coronavirus restrictions Polly?//

I should have mentioned that this is about theatres etc., struggling, and some failing, to survive due to the impact of Coronavirus. Sorry. I assumed that was a given.

[CrapAtCryptics]

while my interests in the arts covers a very small area some people enjoy the break from routine and, as such they should be supported, but like football teams they are a business and should be run better so that the public purse has the minimum drain.

[naomi24]

//like football teams they are a business and should be run better //

The point is most are not running at all now - and without help many never will again.

[dave50]

Its the same with pubs, some people who dont drink think that pubs are not important and can go to the wall as far as they are concerned. I'm not particularly interested in the arts but I would not want them to go under.

[brainiac]

I certainly would not be sorry to see the back of chancers like this, who has just been given an increcible £215,000 of taxpayers' money to keep going:

https://legateauchocolat.com/

[brainiac]

incredible!

[naomi24]

brainiac, that's what the thread in 'News' is about. I linked to it in my OP.