Artists and musicians have accused the government of neglecting the country’s “cultural national health” by pursuing a “catastrophic” 50% funding cut to arts subjects at universities, which could come into effect from this autumn. A consultation by the Office for Students (OfS) and the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, suggested halving the amount spent on “high cost” higher education arts subjects in England – which it said were not “strategic priorities”. Jarvis Cocker, singer and former Pulp frontman, said the plans were “astounding” and would put off those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and leave arts subjects as the preserve of wealthy domestic and foreign students. Chris Walters, the MU’s national organiser for education, told the Guardian that the proposed cuts would completely transform arts and music education in UK higher education. The Russell Group of leading research universities has also protested against the proposed cuts.

Source: The Guardian May 06, 2021 04:52 UTC