GLYN

Glyn has been an actor registered with Equity since 1973, so he is no stranger to a protest. He’s incredibly passionate about arts access and making sure that anyone who wants to engage with the arts is able to. Glyn and I were in fierce agreement about this so it seemed obvious that this piece would end up being something political. 

The speech you can hear Glyn reciting over our mini-protest video (see below) is the epilogue from The Tempest, Shakespeare’s final play. Prospero is always a character which Glyn would’ve loved to have played but retired before he was able to. 

 A Manifesto for Arts Access inspired by Glyn Roberts

Art is for everyone. Art is for all.

I speak from experience, coming from a working class background, and a secondary modern school - my mother working all the hours god sent for me to privately attend drama lessons. My father was a bus driver and did not earn a great wage, even working on 'rest days' to make ends meet. I was fortunate to work in the industry for many years, now retired, and have been a member of Equity since 1973. And despite the government's current insistence,  I was hopeless at Maths.

1. Anyone who wants to access the arts should be able to.

Regardless of class, or income. High quality art should be available to all as a standard.

2. Financial support

The arts are seen as ‘soft’ by the government. But importantly, the arts can give people confidence, educate them about different ways of life and teach them how to work as a team towards common goals.

3. Fun is not a bad word

We were not created to be miserable. Everyone has a different idea of fun and those who find their fun in the arts should not be seen as less than those who find their fun in maths and science.

4. Private schools should not have the monopoly on space

State school pupils should have the same opportunities as private school pupils when it comes to arts provision.

5. There is a place for everyone

The arts are a place of acceptance, where everyone is welcome. We should take this acceptance and use it in all areas of society to create a country which loves the people who live there.