h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well done. I never thought of that

Well I get the distinct impresion that both artists were trying to express something and I feel that their themes may even be related. On the first viewing I got an overwhelming sense of frustration and more than a little anger although these motifs could have been more distintly put across one suspects if they both received grants to develope their skills.

My mistake, SWL, my use of "we" was completely unclear.

Someone mentioned museums and suddenly I find myself changing my mind. Unless I can think of a way they provide tangible benefits that is.

I think perhaps we have to separate education and entertainment. An education that is, shall we say somewhat detached from the real world, can still be valuable exercise for the mind - hence all that blathering on about 'transferable skills'. So is putting on a play a useful educational exercise? Almost certainly I would say.

But then the question is, are there other things that could be done with that money which would be equally educating or more so, and would actually entertain a real audience at the same time?

Oh I agree. And so do the authorities, funnily enough. That is why every council has a Community Education department which devotes a significant part of its budget promoting the arts in conjunction with Arts Council funding.