Information about the speaker: Sir Christopher Frayling – a British educationalist and writer, known for his study of popular culture. Sir Christopher was also the Chairman of the Arts Council England from 2005-09, former Chairman of the Design Council, Royal Mint Advisory Committee, Trustee of Victoria & Albert Museum and Governor of the British Film Institute.
There has been much public debate in recent years about the "legacy of 1945" and the role of the welfare state in the contemporary world of nearly 70 years later. But there has not been nearly as much debate about the implications of this issue for the arts and creative industries. In addition to the well-known five giants of physical poverty – want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness - said Maynard Keynes, there was this sixth giant - poverty of aspiration, one which the arts could help to alleviate. This lecture will confront the sixth giant and look at its relevance for today.