Leading Figures From UK Theatre and Education To Debate Urgent Issue Of Creative Arts Provision

As a BBC survey into arts provision in schools last week revealed a 90% cut in creative subjects across the UK, leading figures from the worlds of theatre and education will meet to debate this urgent issue on Friday 20 April at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Taking part in the Big Arts and Education debate is playwright James Graham; Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director of Tricycle Theatre; Cassie Chadderton, Head of UK Theatre; Ammo Talwar, CEO of Punch Records; Christine Quinn, West Midlands Regional Schools Commissioner and Tim Boyes CEO of Birmingham Education Partnership.

The Big Arts and Education Debate will be open to teachers, practitioners, educators and young people. It will be chaired by Steve Ball, Associate Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Media and Learning Specialist, Carl Woodward.

James Graham, writer of This House which plays at The REP as part of a UK Tour from 17-20 April, said;

"The disappearance of arts from state education is the most urgent conversation we should be having as an industry. It's been vanishing quietly by stealth for the last 3 years and it is in all our interests to have a healthy and open debate whereby we interrogate and remind ourselves and others about its benefits to all. The Big Arts and Education Debate is just the start"

Steve Ball, Associate Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre also said;

"Since 2010 there has been a 28% drop in the number of children taking creative GCSEs, with a similar drop in the number of creative arts teachers being trained. These diminishing opportunities for children and young people are a real concern and I look forward to bringing together the worlds of theatre and education to discuss the issues."

The Big Arts and Education Debate takes place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 20 April, 2pm - 5pm. Tickets £10 / £5 concessions are available from birmingham-rep.co.uk / 0121 236 4455.

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