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 SOLIDARITY National Executive member Simone Clarke has called upon the government to make a greater investment in local community arts programmes.
She also called into question the priorities of Britain’s so-called ‘socialist’ Labour government.
“I find it really ironic that the government can always find money for war – but not for peace. It has its priorities wrong. Finding money for missiles, bombs and bullets seems to be no problem. But finding money for schools, hospitals and jobs is the ultimate no-no.”
Simone – formerly the English National Ballet Equity trade union dance representative for the London region – now teaches dance privately.
Expanding on the theme of investing in peace – and not war - she said:
“I’m calling on the government to invest in jobs for the local community. We need schools and hospitals. It desperately needs to invest in community arts – dance, music, film and literature. It also specifically needs to invest in arts programmes for local youths.”
With fully-funded full-time community arts teachers and organizers, various types of cultural festivals could be staged throughout the year. This would have both social and economic benefits for the community.
Socially, local youths would be involved in a form of community work. This should have a positive effect on all forms of arts and culture. With cultural festivals being staged all year round, the local economy will receive a great boost. Artists and those attending the festivals will all be spending money locally.
Simone continued:
“I’d like to see arts and culture being expanded into schools, hospitals and factories. Why not use these buildings for exhibitions and concerts? It’ll involve a lot of hard work, but it’ll certainly be worth it. If only the government would invest in peace – and not war.”
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Comments
Although she hasn’t mentioned it specifically, she must be referring to the illegal occupation by US-led forces, of Iraqi and Afghanistan. (Also the probable future invasion of Iran?)
Firstly, the US and Britain shouldn’t be interfering in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations. The people of Iraqi and Afghanistan should be left alone to determine their own affairs. If they want to follow the path of Islam, let them do it! I have no war with Islam – or any other faith for that matter.
Secondly, we should be investing in peace and not war. This idea of bringing arts/culture directly to the community is a great one. I like the idea of this being youth-centred. Some older folk have an irrational fear of youngsters. Yet not all of them are involved in anti-social activities! The involvement of youths in these community arts programmes will serve to bring the generations together.
They can always find the money for another war - or to bale out the banksters - but never enough to provide decent jobs with decent pay for Briitish workers. It's one thing fighting for national survival, but quite another to play Deputy Dawg to the US Government Global Sheriff.