Debate - Art is worth less than science to Britain

Whitehall, London, November 10, 2010. Photo (c) A Holme, 2010

On Tuesday evening, March 29, 2011, a debate is being held at the Royal College of Art, entitled Art is worth less than science to Britain. It is a topical subject, with the current cuts in government funding for arts and humanities in higher education (linked of course to the proposed increases in student fees). Entrance is free but places are available on a 'first come first served' basis.

Notice on the debate from the Royal College of Art:

State of the Arts DEBATE

ART IS WORTH LESS THAN SCIENCE TO BRITAIN

The Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, Lecture Theatre 1Tuesday 29th March 19.00-20.00

Speaking in favour: Lord Robert Winston, Imperial College London

Speaking Against: Professor Robert Mull, London Metropolitan Chair: Austin Williams, Future Cities Project

Traditional institutions of adult learning pledged a well-rounded education. Our contemporary system has given rise to increasingly specialist training. Old benefactors have been replaced by corporate partnerships with multinational organisations. The 2010 spending review has prioritised STEM subjects. A new era of education is dawning.

What lies ahead - the present government has placed the needs of the economy at the heart of its plans but what will our future require and who will be the drivers? Is it more valuable to study a BA rather than a BSC? Are traditional Honors degree’s too specialist in an age of mass education? Do the arts have any value in a contemporary society increasingly fixated by technological innovation? How might we bridge the gap between Arts and STEM subjects? Chaired by the director of Future Cities Project and founder of mantownhuman, Austins Williams and featuring contributions from leading thinkers including popular BBC host and Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College, Lord Robert Winston with Professor Robert Mull, Dean of the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media & Design and Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Design, London Metropolitan University.

This is a FREE public event, no booking required, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information please contact: emma.emerson at network.rca.ac.uk