Make cultural institutions accessible so more can benefit

MOST people throughout the world never visit cultural institutions such as museums or the theatre. And yet, very often, these institutions are paid for or are subsidised heavily from the public purse. Which means that everyone is paying for them, but that too few are using them.

Not unnaturally, this is a cause of consternation, especially to politicians who authorise public spending, and who are under increasing pressure to deliver public services effectively and efficiently. Why, one might ask, are cultural institutions funded by all of us, when only a minority of us actually use them?

In the UK, we have seen free public libraries come under great pressure, and many have closed their doors, or have restricted opening hours, or are managed by volunteers rather than by qualified librarians.