The UK’s museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, heritage sites and music venues are to receive £1.57 billion from the Government to try and save them from going out of business – but is this the right thing to do?
Might it be better to carry on experiencing the arts online, close those expensive buildings, and spend the money on other things, like hospitals and schools?
This resource pack includes a story from The Week Junior about arts funding, and an activity sheet to get children thinking, talking and writing about what it means to them.
This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:
- The arts are a crucial part of our culture and it would have been devastating to lose many of our theatres, galleries and museums. After all, there is nothing like going in person to see a live performance, a work of art or a historical artefact. Or do you feel that lockdown has shown us how little we need to keep these expensive venues open to the public? What do you think?
- Write a review of a live performance you have seen within the last year or two, whether it was a professional show or a school production
- Write an advertising poster for a museum near you. Make sure you include an eye-catching headline, persuasive language and some details of what people can see there, as well as useful information such as opening times, web addresses and telephone numbers
- The theatre seems to attract a large number of superstitions, such as saying, “Break a leg!” instead of “Good luck!” Research these and write a paragraph each about your favourite three, indicating what they are, how they are thought to have originated and what might happen if you don’t follow them
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download here.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.