It’s like taking candy from a baby, only it’s taking money from criminals and giving it back to the children.
Over one million pounds of cash taken from lawbreakers will be used to help children explore, and learn about, the arts and various other media.
According to Culture Minister Michael Russell, “Access to arts and culture must not be a luxury - it should be a necessity. The Creative Identities project, which targets looked after children and young carers, will help in some way to achieve that aim. We know that giving young people the opportunity to take part in creative activities gives them the chance to become happier and more confident. That’s why it’s right that we are recycling the proceeds of crime into arts and cultural activities.”
Voltaire said, “The sentiment of justice is so natural, and so universally acquired by all mankind, that it seems to be independent of all law, all party, all religion.”
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Crime Funding Cultural Programs
- Opportunities exist for governments to explore alternative sources of funding for cultural programs.
- Arts Education for Vulnerable Populations
- Increased funding and support for arts education can provide vulnerable populations with positive learning experiences and enrich their lives.
- Recycling Proceeds of Crime
- Reinvesting money that has been obtained through criminal activity can promote positive impact on society.
Where This Applies
- Government
- Governments can explore the potential of using recovered funds from criminal activity to finance cultural and art programs.
- Education
- Educational institutions can create outreach programs for vulnerable populations to give them access to arts education.
- Non-profit
- Non-profit organizations can explore partnerships with government agencies to secure funding for cultural and art programs for vulnerable populations.
