Under the Spotlight
Read thoughts and opinions from artists and experts on pertinent topics in the arts sector from contested heritage and LGBTQ+, to young people in the arts
Edwin Outwater conducts Metallica in concert by Ralph-LarmannHarrisonParrott Foundation
Edwin Outwater, conductor: LGBTQ labels
You have a biological family with whom you may or may not be close to through this process. And then you also find your what Armistead Maupin said is a 'logical family', which is people who support you as a queer person, and you can identify with
Sculpture By Picasso (1950-07) by Gjon MiliLIFE Photo Collection
Christina Scheppelmann Seattle Opera: let's talk about it!
"It enriches the conversation and enriches people’s perspective and minds, to discuss the topics that maybe not are not comfortable for everybody. We’ll just talk about it, bring it up, be aware of it, enrich your horizon and see that the world is much more varied than your own"
Headshot of mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton by BreeAnneClowdusHarrisonParrott Foundation
Jamie Barton Mezzo-soprano: reducing inequality
There is inequality just in terms of representation of who is hired. Nurturing of these people, opening our industry up, and welcoming people in and attracting people from all walks of life is such a monumental task, but it’s 1,000% worth it and we’ve got to do it.
The Culture Bar: LGBTQ+ Awareness and Representation in the Arts by HarrisonParrottHarrisonParrott Foundation
LGBTQ+ Awareness & Representation in the Arts
Listen to Jamie Barton talk more about LGBTQ+ labels within the arts industry.
Book Negs. Classical Music (1958) by Gjon MiliLIFE Photo Collection
Dobrinka Tabakova composer: composers in lockdown
"there was an immediate solidarity of creative thinkers, of organisers and commissioners, sending us creatives a signal that we’re not giving up, we’re still going to be there, continue writing, what you’re doing is relevant and people want to hear what you’re doing"
Mozart At Lincoln Center (1991-01-27) by Ted ThaiLIFE Photo Collection
James Murphy RPS: COVID impact on women musicians
"COVID has been the great leveller. We’re all starting from the same place. And from that we’ve just seen this extraordinary outpouring from all sorts of different people and genders, but of course it’s notable to me that women in music have been proven to be incredible"
By Gjon MiliLIFE Photo Collection
Sarah Alexander NYO: supporting young musicians
"sharing actually helps to consolidate learning, and that sharing is the right thing to do, let’s build a musical community together. And let’s be generous with our art form. That also it helps them to feel that agency over what’s happening in their art form going forward"
The Culture Bar: Celebrating Women in Music by HarrisonParrottHarrisonParrott Foundation
Celebrating Women in Music
Listen to Sarah Alexander talk about how she is inspired by young people in orchestras especially during COVID19
Headshot photo of folk singer and activist Sam Lee by Sam LeeHarrisonParrott Foundation
Sam Lee, Folk singer: Climate emergency & the arts
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast… the arts is going to be one of the most powerful influences on battling climate change. We just need to make sure that art can survive, and can proliferate. And that we’re supporting artists in helping to paint a better future, for everyone"
Aeroplane (2021) by Zero Design LimitedNational Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Crispin Woodhead, OAE: responsibility of climate change
"it shouldn’t be a matter of finance, it should be a matter of absolute solemn social responsibility that that system is maintained. This crucial issue of facilitating local decision making, is important, they need direction from governments who feel the pinch of accountability"
Christ's Entry into Brussels in 1889 (1888) by James EnsorThe J. Paul Getty Museum
Alex Sobel, MP: taxation to reduce carbon emissions
"if you plan your tour around rail, or buses and lorries, particularly if they’re electric or hydrogen, then then obviously it will reduce the cost of the tour. And the government, no government has yet taken up the free comply tax idea. But it does need global action."
The Culture Bar: How the arts can respond to the climate emergency by HarrisonParrottHarrisonParrott Foundation
How the Arts can Respond to the Climate Emergency
Listen to Sam Lee talk about Music Declares Emergency and how this organisation is trying to make real changes to the classical music industry
The Perseus and Andromeda fountain 'firing' at Witley CourtOriginal Source: Witley Court
Prof Corinne Fowler: let's talk about contested heritage
"We need to stop weaponising history and think about having a conversation across all divides... it's enriching to know more about the world... more knowledge is good and less knowledge is bad, so let's have less shredding documents & more invitations to explore those histories"
East Room by James HobanThe White House
Lord Ed Vaizey: Living histories
history is a living thing and every generation is entitled to interpret historical events through the prism of their own current values and morals. I think it’s a nuanced debate... it’s become this sort of heated debate where you’re forced to take a side and if you pick the wrong side, you’re somehow in trouble
The Culture Bar: Contested Heritage by HarrisonParrottHarrisonParrott Foundation
Contested Heritage
Hear professor Corinne Fowler's definition of contested heritage in the context of British history.
