Dear Sir,

SUPPORT FOR TARBERT MUSIC CENTRE

I attended last weeks performance by the Tarbert Music Centre. I was very impressed. I was impressed because I also attended the previous performance and saw hugely encouraging progress of talent and enthusiasm by the young performers - all credit to their tutors and the support of Tarbert Academy.

This whole activity has come about because Government encouragingly set aside and released investment into this cultural area of extra curricular music activity.

However, we were given some startling information at the end of the performance. In April 2008 the funding will end and unless measures are taken to redress this situation the Tarbert Music Centre will cease to function and indeed to exist.

I am presently undertaking a post graduate MA Arts in Social Contexts degree studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow - looking into cultural planning and development. I have been fascinated in my research so far and if you look at the current Arts and Culture aspirations on the Scottish Executive's website you will see extremely encouraging statements: “The Scottish Government is fully committed to widening access to culture for all communities…Our future cultural policy framework will be one that affirms the place of culture in this nation…We plan to take this forward in partnership with those who have a major role to play… ”

It seems inconceivable that within that environment, children can be presented with a fantastic opportunity to develop a cultural interest in musical performance and then have the rug pulled from under their feet. These children no longer hang around outside aimlessly, they no longer sit mindlessly watching hours of television - they have been given a sense of purpose and it shone out as they performed. Yes, they can't be expected to make money yet and yes, that is not necessarily what it's all about but at least there is opportunity for them and a direction to follow, whether out of enjoyment or maybe with a developing entrepreneurial and social enterprise flair that may follow later.

In saying this, it is possible to resolve the contradiction between Government and that of the younger generation, to the enrichment of both. The Government needs to be supported in applying some wisdom here and not look at the short-term political vote winning machinations but at a meaningful, stabilising, financial commitment that will allow the flourishing of Scottish youth to inherit and develop a sustainable cultural environment, which they can take with them into the future. It is after all their future and our responsibility.

Yours faithfully,

PETER MINSHALL