Artonic - Arts in Health

" I became skeptical of state-involvement in public art after seeing at first-hand how, without apparent awareness, it set an agenda of social propaganda.

Politicians and their administrators could, it seemed, only see a justification in art that delivered a message of better services and political achievement, objectives sought within the greater state project.

I think that this conflicts with the role and identity of an artist.

I was also alarmed to see young artists readily identifying themselves with this, the state has undreamt of resources for most artists. I could see a profession of apologists smoothing over the inadequate political will for improvement.

I think this is happening not through malice or conspiracy, but through a desire to' harness' art for social benefit.

Unaware that the freedom of the artist to express themselves through their identity and conscience is of paramount importance to society as a whole. "

Roger Michell 2005