Stop the CUTS

In the wake of the current economic crisis the government’s response was to make massive cuts throughout public services, damaging health, welfare and education. It has prompted a massive political protest from students, trade unionists, and pensioners to professional bodies, community organisations and religious organisations. All forms of action have been developed from strikes, sit-ins and occupations that have inspired many who would otherwise have not become involved..

The most recent being the St Paul’s challenge to it’s city landlords and stating we all have a responsibility to open our hearts to those in need. Every section of the artistic and cultural community have also suffered - from the Arts Council and galleries down to many local cultural centres. The cost to our creative community could prove chronic and damaging Britain’s status as a centre of excellence for art and design.

RCA students have demonstrated their opposition. So, the RCA Society felt it incumbent to  show solidarity as the crisis will no doubt affect all our alumni. The RCA Society proposes to provide a platform to debate the issues and promote a dialogue articulating alternative strategies. Our intention is also to mark the 40th anniversary of the publication in in 1971 of "RCA Redefined" that was instrumental in transforming the democratic, educational and social structure of the college.

It’s slogan was “community of shared interest” which stressed the necessity to avoid the elitism of the past and relate the college to the needs of a changing society. Today, the creative industries have to face the fact that the crisis is chronic and can only be challenged successfully if all sections of society are fully involved.

Also read http://www.rcasociety.net/content/rca-long-night-stop-cuts-1