Equal Opportunities in the Arts - James McAvoy shares his Thoughts

In a society often described as a melting pot of diverse talents, it is disheartening to consider just how inaccessible the arts remain for so many. James McAvoy recently spoke at length about the entrenched classism in the UK’s performing arts industry, a system he described as being more concerned with sustaining itself through capitalism than nurturing the next generation of diverse voices. As I reflect on his words, I can’t help but draw parallels to Wales—a nation bursting with creativity but grappling with its own barriers to opportunity.

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Wales, like Scotland, has a rich cultural heritage and a deep well of creative potential. Yet, as with the rest of the UK, socioeconomic divides often limit who gets to access opportunities in the arts. Those from less privileged backgrounds face systemic challenges that seem to reinforce the idea that success in the creative industries is a matter of luck rather than nurture.

McAvoy’s words about the arts being a tool for creating well-rounded, confident people resonate deeply. Exposure to art isn’t just about cultivating future actors, writers, or directors; it’s about giving young people the confidence to dream beyond their immediate surroundings. In Wales, where tight-knit communities often contend with economic challenges, the arts have the power to expand horizons and open doors.

The problem, however, isn’t a lack of talent but a lack of access. Many Welsh communities, particularly those in deprived areas, simply don’t have the resources to offer extensive arts education. This absence isn’t just felt in schools; it reverberates through entire communities, limiting the confidence of individuals who might otherwise flourish.

The arts, as McAvoy so eloquently put it, desensitise us to failure. In a performance, failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to improvement. Yet, without exposure to such formative experiences, a significant portion of our youth are growing up believing they’re not entitled to fail—or, worse, not entitled to even try. This cultural gap is as evident in Welsh communities as it is in Scotland and across the UK.

We’ve seen the magic that can happen when the arts are made accessible in Wales. Initiatives like National Theatre Wales and the Eisteddfod offer glimpses of how inclusive and empowering the arts can be. But these efforts, as valuable as they are, can’t reach everyone without systemic change. There needs to be a broader commitment to ensuring that access to art isn’t a privilege but a right.

To McAvoy’s point, art is a way to open minds, to equip people with the confidence to step into a boardroom or onto a stage. It has the power to transform not only individuals but communities—and even nations. If we, in Wales, are serious about building a more equitable and inclusive society, we must prioritise making the arts accessible to all.

A nation that cherishes its cultural heritage must also invest in its cultural future. For Wales, this means not only celebrating the achievements of its artists but also doing the hard work of tearing down the barriers that prevent so many from entering the creative sphere. McAvoy’s insights serve as a call to action, not just for Scotland or the UK but for Wales as well. We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to ensure that the arts reflect the diversity and brilliance of our society.