Inspiration in Sport... come on The Arts, man-up

Hey it's not often you can say you've seen Art in sport. Nor is it often, that you'll credit it to David Beckham. United beat Milan tonight in a 4-0 drubbing that had grace and finesse, but it was what happened in the stands and on the pitch after the game that carried the biggest resonance.

A usually red Stretford End covered in Green and Gold, cheering for the owners to leave and remembering the roots that created the legend, Newton Heath, the original United, where the love affair came from.

And the prodigal soon showed his thoughts too. Returning to a standing ovation Beckham left the field in defeat, but in wearing the green and gold, stood as a flagbearer to a people led revolution that many believe with it's power, will succeed in toppling the money grabbing Yanks.

It was an operatic scene with a history play undertone more at home at La Scala than Trafford.... well, maybe not.

But, rather than being a Red patting themselves on the back, it made me realise the resonances in the arts world, and the enforced call to arms we face today.

With cut funding, cut TV programming, and all in all a shit state of affairs for the support of the arts, it's up to the fans to stand up and pledge support.

The arts council is one of the worst hit from the recession. Some would say that's fair, and i wouldn't disagree, but the world has to support the Arts, lend it's hand, not just the powers that be. It is that important.

In the last 6 months we lost The Soutbank Show, possibly the greatest gateway to the arts that TV has ever offered. Now we have nothing, and we all moan about it.

I was at the awards for the show this year. Emotional, devastating, an end of an era, with actors, directors, designers, poets, writers, broadcasters lamenting it, and art TV's demise...

Talks of 'Where will our world be served now' rang out... yet no one had any ideas.

With the advent of cut government funding, ironically coinciding with the richest period of fashion, art and performing arts ever in the UK, there seems to be an apathy akin to politics that we can change nothing.

So here is the rally, the call to join the movement and pull your fucking socks up. This is the best arts scene in the world and we deserve the support of our government media, prolific (and affluent) artists and TV bosses to spread that talent.

Geeez... If only David Beckham had been born a lyricist...