Welcome to Antobar, an independent site with a focus on music, visual arts and theatre. The arts represent an outlet of expression, usually influenced by culture, which in turn helps to change culture. As such, the arts are a physical manifestation of an internal creative impulse. Here you will find key information about the arts and culture sector in the UK.
The value of arts and culture
The value of arts and culture to society is in its intrinsic value, how it teach us and enrich our emotional world. Arts and culture promote social and economic goals through local regeneration, attracting tourists, developing talent and innovation, improving health and well-being and contributing to the delivery of public services. These benefits, most of which have always been historically significant, are beyond the immediate intrinsic experience and value of the art itself, making the UK’s art and culture a strategic national resource.
Why is art important to people
The beauty in the music, art and theatre world have forever provided us with a variety of ways to express our opinions and our feelings. The arts can be seen as a reflection of society at that time. A way to understand the time period, by seeing what the artists are or were expressing. It is easier to understand the nineteenth century when you consider the Romantics’ rebellion against Neoclassicism and the Academy. Many times in history, the arts have been used to express ideas that were not acceptable in their society. Playwrights across time have used their art to criticize their world including Bertolt Brecht, Arthur Miller and more.
The arts also provide us with aesthetic qualities. The beauty of a Monet painting, a Tchaikovsky symphony, an August Wilson play. Appreciating this beauty is what makes us human. The art can be an inspiration for some brilliant Valentines Day gift for the artist in your life.
Art and culture in the UK today
The UK’s museum and galleries are world class. The country has three of the top five most-visited museums in the world. The National Museums of Scotland have partnered with the National Museums of Malawi. HMS Belfast and the Royal Opera House have also developed strong links with the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing and Mumbai, enabling it to offer tours, broadcasts, cinema screenings and training programmes throughout those regions.
The UK theatre scene is renowned internationally for its professionalism, artistic integrity and originality. Performers, from stand-up comedy to opera, tour internationally. Musicals that originated in the UK have travelled the world, including Les Misérables and Billy Elliot. In drama, Jerusalem and War Horse are just two of the theatre productions that have transferred to the international stage. In comedy Lee Evans, Eddie Izzard and more have appeal at home and abroad.
