Existing arts legislation dates from 1951 and 1973 and the entire context in which the arts exist and operate has changed enormously since. Thankfully, they are no longer the preserve of a small group of people and there is general acknowledgement throughout society that they are for everyone. It is my fundamental belief that they must be seen as an integral part of life, essential to a healthy society, and a significant part of what makes life more than a drab functional, or perhaps mechanical, exercise at times. Coming from this starting point, I could never accept that a particular vocabulary, accent, address or set of social conventions should be required of those presuming to participate in or enjoy the arts.