Lisa Nandy champions arts access for UK children at award event

In the UK, Labour minister Lisa Nandy expressed her commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the arts during an event in Westminster on October 8, 2024. She announced the winner of the Robson Orr TenTen Award, which was awarded to Grenada-born artist Denzil Forrester for his artwork titled 'Altar.' This piece captures a scene from a reggae festival in Cornwall, where Forrester resides and draws inspiration from the vibrant nightlife of the 1970s and 1980s. Nandy emphasized the importance of making great artworks accessible to communities, highlighting the need to bring culture back into schools after a decade of decline in arts education. She acknowledged the role of philanthropists like Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr in supporting emerging artists and promoting arts education for future generations. The Labour minister criticized the previous government's impact on cultural education, stating that creativity had been largely erased from classrooms. She reiterated her determination to change this dynamic, ensuring that every child in the UK can experience a richer life through access to the arts. Forrester's work, which reflects the essence of Cornwall's nightlife, showcases his unique artistic style that combines light and sound. He expressed pride in his contribution to the Government Art Collection, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of his community and inspiring young people to explore their artistic talents.