What talents there are to excite our senses.  I was delighted that many of the great and good of film were out to support the Arts on Sunday evening at the BAFTA awards.  Well, most of them anyway.  Such a pity that so many didn’t turn up to accept their accolade.  I was thrilled that singing, signing (British and American) and spectacle were all included, alongside wardrobe malfunction and Japanese to English translation.  For me the diversity of the presenters and those winning awards was so much closer to my expectation than ever before.  So proud.

I’m always excited by the genius of the costume designers (on set as well as on the red carpet) and other creatives, although some of yesterday’s celebrity adornments suggested that I’m no longer “on point”.  Who knew that my Gran’s Kirby Grips would be immortalised by an actor from Harry Potter films?  So pleased that everyone left their trackie bottoms and sliders under the desk, where they belong, and dressed up for the occasion.  Rebel Wilson looked impressive in black tulle and then red sequins, even though I was unconvinced by all her BAFTA banter.  Was she trying too hard – what do you think?

Perhaps the more serious takeaway from the award ceremony is that talented individuals come together to create magnificent films for us to enjoy along with free speech, history and an opportunity to dream.  The Arts are so important to our individual and collective development.  It’s important that we join forces to celebrate what we have already and encourage fresh talent at every opportunity.  Acting, self-expression and dance, as well as music and writing are all fabulous antidotes to the pressures of modern-day life and mental health challenge.  Remember the pleasure of the Kanneh-Masons busking outside their front gate during lockdown?  Pure genius.  I was inspired.

And let’s not forget the (alternative) TikTok generation of octogenarians and toddlers, who have become just as talented as their generation Z, twenty-something competitors.  I recognise that, for some, I am pushing the boundaries of the Arts and veering into the long grass of screen time and age appropriateness.  But that’s just it, art is about expression and imagination, and modern organisations need both.  For now, I’ll leave the discussions about the darker side of social media to those who are so much better informed.  And I’ll look forward to the time when video CVs become commonplace, and all candidates bring show reels to their interviews to reflect their strengths.

Talent is not community, age or capability specific and it’s my view that all emerging talents need to be harnessed as they spark our imagination.  We need musicians, entrepreneurs and scientists, just as much as we need creatives or horticulturists and dancers.  At school I missed learning to prepare food and bake, drama and dressmaking because I was good at languages.  I accept that Latin, Greek, German and French all helped me to recognise the origins of words and taught me the benefits of learning by rote (or by rhythm), yet German versus sewing was an odd choice to be challenged aged 13.  My Grans taught me to sew and knit, Dad encouraged me in the garden and at the allotment, while Mum and I painted or created.  And as you know already, I have such fond memories of baking with Grandad.

In the wake of Covid, it seems that it’s lessons in art, theatre, and music are being squeezed in favour of academic learning.  And yet we’re still hearing stories of young people’s struggles with expressing their fears and emotions.  I’m all for academic encouragement and base skills, although vocational learning and self-expression remain key.  Let’s hope that the Arts persist with their ambitions.  After all it’s often jobbing actors musicians and dancers who prop up the hospitality sector, which continues to be under-resourced.

The sun is brilliant this morning and it’s almost Spring, why not put on your most colourful outfit and go dance in the sunshine before work?  Go on I dare you! And when you come inside, let’s chat about uncovering hidden talent. Let’s talk.