A LEADING academic has urged today that arts funding be protected from government cuts because it plays an essential role in society.

Manchester University senior arts management and cultural policy lecturer Abigail Gilmore noted that government policy had persistently viewed arts in terms of its economic value rather than its role in improving “quality of life.”

Her paper, published by the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (Class), states that the government’s focus on reducing public funding in favour of private sponsorship has led to even greater regional disparities in funding.

She noted that arts funding prioritised London and larger cities over smaller local communities.

“Cuts to the arts reflect the fact that governments see living standards purely in terms of meeting basic economic needs, rather than attaining a good quality of life,” said Ms Gilmore.

“At a time of austerity, it is even more important that the arts are safeguarded to ensure equal access for all, and not just a privileged few.”