Ed Vaizey – “sick and tired of local authorities stepping away from their responsibility for the arts”
28th January 2015
The Conservative minister was speaking at the opening session of the 30th conference of the Association of British Orchestras at the Sage Gateshead.
Vaizey kicked off by praising the cultural offerings of Gateshead, including the Angel of the North and the Sage itself, which he said had contributed £300 million pounds to the local economy in its first decade of existence.
Questioned on the subject of funding for music following his speech, Vaizey called on councils to commit to supporting arts in their area.
“We want local authorities to continue to support local arts not just because we need their money, but because we need their commitment.
“It’s not just about writing a cheque. It’s about being committed to supporting arts in the local area.
“I’m sick and tired of local authorities stepping away from their responsibility for the arts.”
Vaizey also called on orchestras to embrace the digital age, criticising the “19th century style of performance”, where “the audience sits and quietly enjoys” the show.
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