(LD):...As the
noble Baroness, Lady Andrews, also referred to, there is an
urgent need for central government to look at the funding issue.
Indeed, if we are to believe that Artificial Intelligence will replace much
of what we define as work today—and as a member of
the Artificial Intelligence Select Committee,
I have seen plenty of evidence so far to suggest that that is the
case—it is all-important that we ensure that future generations
have free access to creativity and culture that sets them apart
from intelligent machines.
So it is worrying to learn that there is a decline in school
visits, in part due to changes in the national curriculum. As a
governor of an inner-city school, I have seen the value that is
added when children visit areas of cultural interest. In
particular, I have seen the value that is added for children who
are receiving the pupil premium allowance. That leaves me in no
doubt of the value. That is why I believe the curriculum must
ensure that children develop with an understanding of the value
of creativity.
In my view, the advent of Artificial Intelligence will need a
highly creative and curious future generation. So we on these
Benches recognise that to support the future success of the arts
in Britain we must ensure that the right funding structures and
regulatory environment are in place to encourage investment. But
that investment must never compromise their independence. In
other words, public galleries—galleries and museums that are
free—should not be expected to rely solely on private income. The
potential, or the danger, of our past being explained by the
highest bidder, or by the whims of the latest fashion, may then
become too great...
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