| I Am The Secretary of State for Culture
by Tessa Jowell
Let's be clear, culture is truly a 24/7 phenomena which never sleeps. Part of that culture phenomena is the gambling community. And the community – any community - must be a core voice in the debate about how we move ahead in rolling partnership to develop new ideas about the way we live. Joined-up Culture. Quick thinking. Whether it be new super-casinos, or whether it be enjoying a soap opera in the comforts of one's own homes. Tough choices. Firm options. My remit as Secretary of State is to remain tasked. Tasked and tasked again. Tasked with enabling culture to develop genuine consumer choices. Of which, gambling is very much a part. The big thing people value is trust and legitimacy in every part of public life, which flows from how individuals and institutions relate to each other, especially at the local level. That's why the Government has asked the Commission for Gambling to team up with the Department of Health Fatbuster's UK scheme to create dialogue and liaison across new types of gambling. So come on, those of you whom enjoy a little flutter. Let's see more of you in Fatbuster's t-shirts, fighting the flab for a healthier culture! There will always be people claiming that this Government has "dumbed down" culture - whatever that means! Or that the arts (whatever they are!) has no place in a digital society. To show how wrong this is, simply log on to the BBC's website. Programming has changed beyond recognition since the
days of Muffin the Mule. Or The Ascent of Man. Or Tom Betjeman in an
old-fashioned hat telling us what we should think about semi-detached
houses, which let's remember were lived in for years under the
Conservatives. So, there you are at the BBC website. You are now on your way to having a Cultural Adventure, so good luck and fingers crossed! Let's say you're looking for something e.g "Gambling - It's History, It's Art & It's Architecture". Once onto the website, simply click on Entertainment. Then - underneath Film, Music, TV and Radio - find Arts. Simply click on this and look for material on gambling. Or whatever you choose! This may take some time if your household or workplace is not broadband-enabled. Otherwise, simply check out the TV listings for programmes about gambling, or “doing up houses”. Come on, everybody - let's get connected! To have a modern population able to take advantage of modern gambling is good for individuals, good for the economy and good for our wider society (see my earlier note on tackling obesity). A journalist from the Creative on Sunday asked me recently what my favourite culture was. This was a good question, because it was engaging with me by asking me what I thought. Culture in action! I replied with the following email: I am strongly attractive to the idea of using "public value" as a way of thinking about culture. My favourite culture does not have long words (necessarily) or peacocks walking around it. I don't mind what sort of culture it is, as long as it is inclusive. Accessible. Of the people, for the people. For all we stand for. All we worship and adore. Let us fly ourselves to the Moon. And let us play among the stars, regardless of ethnic origin. I can tell you that that journalist emailed back in tears. That is why I am now discussing, with key stakeholders, alternative options for introducing "gambling literacy" into a wider cultural consciousness, in all its various forms. Am I passionate about providing a rich, equal and democratic experience of our shared cultural experience for everybody? You bet!
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