Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, has issued a robust defence of the organisation's spring 2025 National Art Pass campaign, which features Henri Matisse's The Snail and Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck's Growing Memories. This comes in response to a recent long read by Julian Baggini, published on 14 April, which argued that instrumentalising art diminishes its intrinsic value.
Balancing Art's Intrinsic and Instrumental Value
Waldman acknowledges Baggini's point that art should be enjoyed for its own sake, stating, "We couldn't agree more that art has intrinsic value." However, she emphasises that for many individuals across the UK, barriers such as economic constraints, geographical isolation, or cultural perceptions prevent them from engaging with museums and galleries. For these people, the debate over art's intrinsic worth is often irrelevant because they have not yet had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
National Art Pass as an Inclusive Invitation
The National Art Pass advertisements are designed as an open invitation to those who do not see themselves as "art people." Waldman describes them as "a way in and a form of permission." She argues that if highlighting potential health benefits, such as stress reduction from viewing a Matisse painting, helps to open doors, then this serves as a valuable initial step towards broader engagement.
Evidence from King's College London Research
Art Fund points to recent research conducted in partnership with King's College London, which provides clear evidence that visiting museums and galleries supports wellbeing. This study was groundbreaking as it demonstrated immediate, measurable physiological responses to viewing original artworks. Waldman clarifies that this research is not intended to define why art matters but rather to illustrate something art can do for people. It aims to speak to audiences who might otherwise feel excluded from cultural conversations.
Promoting Art for All, Not Just the Privileged
At the core of the campaign are significant works like Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck's Growing Memories from 2021 and Henri Matisse's The Snail from 1952-53. Art Fund's mission is to promote art accessibility for everyone, not just a privileged few. Waldman expresses hope that anyone who encounters these works, regardless of their initial motivation, will discover the value of art for themselves.
She concludes by noting that Baggini's argument eloquently describes the experience of those who already appreciate art. Art Fund's ongoing task is to ensure that many more people have the chance to join this group, fostering a more inclusive cultural landscape in the UK.
