Labour Creatives Conference held at Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Labour Creatives Conference held at Guildhall School of Music & Drama
On Thursday 14 March, the Labour Creatives Conference was held at Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s state-of-the-art venue Milton Court.
The event opened with a performance of Dorothy Gates’ Festival March Agape from Guildhall Brass 22 before Guildhall School’s Principal, Professor Jonathan Vaughan, provided attendees with a few opening remarks. The day closed with a performance from Guildhall School alumna, Alison Balsom, who performed Debussy’s Syrinx and part of David Mitcham’s At the Top of the Tide with trumpeters Imogen Whitehead and Eloise Yates.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama is provided by the City of London Corporation.
In his opening remarks, Professor Jonathan Vaughan said, “Founded nearly one hundred and fifty years ago by the City of London Corporation, Guildhall School stands as a beacon of creativity and excellence.
Whether in awe-inspiring performances or ground-breaking productions, the brilliance of our young artists never fails to inspire. Our supremely talented alumni, from Hollywood stars to Grammy winners, showcase the transformative power of artistic education. Notably, in an audacious demonstration of transferable skills, one of our former students even ascended to become Leader of the Labour party – Sir Keir, it's a pleasure to welcome you back.
In navigating the challenges of arts funding and the integration of technology, we must continue to foster and champion creative partnerships and cultural diversity. The arts enrich and illuminate our humanity, and fuel the great British success story of this country’s creative talent. UK creativity is recognised around the world – let’s do more to celebrate and champion it globally.
Reflecting on my own journey from a comprehensive school in a coal-mining town, I am aware that without free music lessons I would not be standing here today.
Which is why our Guildhall Young Artists programme is dedicated to lifelong learning by providing weekly opportunities for one thousand six hundred schoolchildren, forty percent of whom come from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe that by investing in the creative dreams of every child, regardless of their background, we not only enrich our cultural sector but also empower individuals to chart their own path to success.”
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “Arts and culture are major drivers of the UK economy and London’s position as a leading global city and visitor destination.
“With an annual investment of over £130 million in heritage and cultural activities, the City of London Corporation is one of the UK’s largest funders of its kind. We are proud to manage and support many leading institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Museum of London, Tower Bridge, London Metropolitan Archives and - under the expert leadership of Jonathan Vaughan - this internationally renowned conservatoire, Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
“These iconic institutions form a key part of our Destination City programme, which sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.
“It is absolutely essential to invest generously in the arts and culture industry because, as well as boosting the economy, supporting businesses, and creating jobs, you are investing in something that is impossible to quantify in dry, monetary terms – the enrichment of people’s lives.”
Emily Benn (Guildhall School Board Member), Professor Jonathan Vaughan (Guildhall School Principal), Keir Starmer (Leader of the Labour Party) and Keith Bottomley (Deputy Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation)