Free Entry to Museums and Galleries

Weekly Lesson – for study until Sunday the 9th of June

Audio – Available on all usual social media

Subject: Free Entry to Museums and Galleries, by Teacher Joseph

1.The Universal Access Scheme which granted free access to all Government Sponsored Museums, Art Galleries and some places of national interest in the UK began in December 2001.  This was known as a DCMS Scheme since the Government department responsible for these places is currently called the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Research claims that free entry to these places are key motivators for tourists visiting the UK. By removing entrance fees to these places, everyone, including tourists has free access to a type of Education which only the Arts and a dialogue about living history can bring.

2.Culture and the Artistic endeavor has long been a bone of contention in the UK because it is difficult for any progressive capitalist Government to see how the Arts, including a celebration of history could generate an income which could be sustainable, stable and contributory to the economy. As a result, funding for artistic projects and endeavors is often cut when money needs to be saved. Yet there is a beauty in our history, not because it is history itself but because of it’s endurance and stamina which in part at least has been preserved through our museums, Art galleries and ongoing projects. It is this historical archive which our Government has made available to  millions by removing entrance fees.

3.Although Sculpture, Poetry and Art sit well these days with Religion and  Government, throughout history they endured a relationship which was rather more acrimonious. The Government wanted money to ensure priceless objects could be preserved so charges seemed to be a natural way to achieve that goal and in doing so reduced Art down to a commodity which could be used as a tool of investment. As less and less British people find religion relevant, the Established Church has relied upon it’s collection of Art and artistic expression for people to relate to it as well as ensuring it’s financial future.

4.Poetry and Art had often been used in history as tools for revolution  in that they could reach the minds of people in a way that far exceeded reading or classroom education.  A more direct, living, dangerous way which could stir the masses quickly. Preserving our history for the educated classes seemed safer and more controlled, yet a less industrial more liberated generation of British people needed to have access to maintain their British Identity in an increasingly diverse society.  Along with that, many people started to question how some of the items were acquired, particularly during the years of the British Empire and why we were not allowed to see them.

5.Today in British society the “letter of the law” sits perniciously, with people being quick to judge, imprisoned for wrongdoings, ensuring an upright society based on basic moral rules of right and wrong, good and bad. Yet Art with her expression and beauty often sits above the law, as  a metaphor of  rules and how minds can be elevated far above the letter, into something much deeper.  A metaphor which takes us into the “spirit of the law” and what it means, rather than the cold hard pen on paper. An example of this may be seen with the push for Scottish Independence, a debate which is largely legalistic, documented and controlled. Strangely lacking Art, expression, poetry or creativity which could have had a quicker and stronger impact on the movement. Keeping it at the level of theory keeps emotions controlled but restricts progression too.

6.The balance between preserving history and appreciating Art can be seen clearly in the decision to make museums and galleries free in the UK.  However in a changing economy, ever changing societies and ideologies, the future is uncertain. Society now has more disposable income than before and money is often donated freely to causes deemed worthy. With an increasing bill every year, funding our Artistic history may not continue to be the Government’s top priority.

Monday – Affirmation  “I am understood”

Read Paragraph 1

Do you think that free entry is a key motivator?

In what way has language learning been a key motivator in your experience? Consider the role of:

1. Language schools and English School Books
2. Your own confidence levels and knowledge
3. Your self growth

How can we reframe our thinking to allow us to learn more? What kind of habits and moods would we need to have? What is your key motivator?

Tuesday  –  Affirmation “I  express myself well”

In what ways does English History NOT look beautiful

Read Paragraph 2 

1.Bone of contention  – where two people argue about something over a period of time.  Can you remember any bone of contention which exists in your thinking?

2.Sits well – Does your current level of English sit well with you? Why not, What things would you like to change?

3, Letter of the Law – In the UK driving through a red light is a good example of the letter of the law. The law says you need to stop. Yet in some countries, although the law says you should stop, the spirit of the law is applied: “I would stop if I had time but I must see my family”.

Wednesday –  Affirmation “My opinion is heard and respected”

What happens to English if we see it only as a tool to be bought, like a commodity?

Read Paragraph 3 

What would it be like if English was made free to study? Would you be more inclined to study? What would the benefits be? Did you study English “free” at school?

In an English lesson – What are you paying for? The words, even the conversations can be provided by AI  – how do you balance these conflicting ideas?

Do you support the Government’s idea to make museums free?

Thursday – Affirmation – “I have time to study English”

Read Paragraph 4 

In what ways has your learning journey been revolutionary and in what ways do you think you could have improved?

How much time did you spend on this lesson this week? What obstacles do you need to deal with to move forward? Why did you choose not to do the things you missed? Does this happen regularly.

Friday – Affirmation – I will review my English of this week

Paragraphs 5 and 6 

If you had more disposable income, what causes would you support? Do you think supporting charitable causes is morally right? In the UK we have a proverb that says “Charity begins at home”  What do you think it means?