News

European and Local elections 2014 – A right to culture for every child

20 May 2014

On Thursday 22 May there were local elections in England and Northern Ireland, and European elections for the whole country.

The Cultural Learning Alliance believes the right to culture for every child must be a cornerstone of cultural and educational policy, establishing equal access to a high standard of cultural learning opportunities, for all children and young people.

London party manifestos from local Labour parties included a wide range of commitments to culture including:

  • ensuring through partnerships every child visits a museum or gallery at least once a year
  • ensuring all primary children get music tuition
  • developing more apprenticeships for young people in arts organisations

We would love to hear about the commitments in other manifestos around children and young people’s access to culture so please do get in touch with them.

If you are having conversations with candidates or new councillors now and in the future we encourage you to ask about their commitment to culture.

Some questions you might want to ask them are:

  • How will they ensure their work delivers a right to culture for every child?
  • How will they, in the words of the UN convention on the Rights of the Child, respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
  • How will they communicate the essential value and critical importance of cultural learning to schools, head teachers and local authorities, and to children and young people?
  • How will they promote STEAM in your area?

Please do tell us about any conversations you have. You can fill in the comments box below or write to us at info@culturallearningalliance.org.uk.