NATIONAL ARTS DAY

Early day motion 403, tabled 6 March 2001 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 142 members.

That this House welcomes the proposal to celebrate a UK National Arts Day on Midsummer Day, 24th June, as an exciting opportunity to draw attention to artistic activity across the UK; believes that in the age of globalisation such an annual day of celebration will give wider publicity to the cultural achievements of the individuals and communities of the nations which make up the UK; considers that the arts reflect each country's traditions, value and multicultural way of life and have earned the admiration of the world as well as being a potent antidote to violence, hopelessness, social division and alienation; further believes that a National Arts Day would demonstrate that the arts belong not on the periphery of daily life but at its centre where they can contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life of each of the nations of the UK; welcomes direct involvement from honourable Members in this cross party proposal, endorsed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which is designed to promote the arts at a local level; and believes it is worthy of the widest possible public support.

Signatures by party: Labour 88, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 16, Labour/Co-operative 7, UUP 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Unknown 1.