Weekly Roundup (3-7 Dec 2012)

7 December 2012

Autumn statement and Spending Review

As chancellor George Osborne indicated cuts for the Department for Culture Media and Sport budget in 2013/14 and 2014/15, Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, shares his apprehension as the implications for the arts and cultural sector are still unclear. Read here

EBacc updates

As Michael Gove, Education Secretary, promises to hear criticisms of the EBacc from people "of good will". He was at the House of Commons on Monday answering questions in regards to the arts and educational reform.

Turner Prize 2012

This week's Turner Prize 2012 ceremony raised controversy as English actor, Jude Law, accused the government of 'cultural vandalism' for not including arts options in the EBacc proposal. Elizabeth Prize, winner of the award, also backed Law's criticism during her acceptance speech. Read here

'Don't cut the arts in schools'

On a related note, Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director of the Barbican Centre, expressed his concern on how the new EBacc proposals 'threatens the creativity of the nation'. Full story in the Evening Standard.

Empowering the arts

Arts leaders, including Cultural Olympiad chief Ruth Mackenzie, are planning to launch a campaign next year to champion the arts and culture.

Music lessons available for everyone

Teacher Tierce de Picardie has spent a lifetime teaching music at a Secondary School but now she fears for the future of this subject. Read about her experience here.

London Peace Prize award

This year's award was handed to Hanwell artist, Peter Jonas, who has inspired young people through community projects included his mural in the Copley Close Estate. Full story here.

National Skills Academy Annual Conference

Bookings for the 4th National Skills Academy Annual Conference are open now. The event will be held on the 6 and 7 March 2013. For details, click here.

Celebrating local unsung heroes

An interesting story of two young artists that are planning to bring East London personalities to life. Read here