One of the UK’s most famous artist-activists has hit upon a new way of getting his message across about the value of the arts in times of austerity. Bob & Roberta Smith, who is angry about the downgrading of arts in schools, stood against the former Education Secretary, Michael Gove, in May at the UK general election. Next month, the London-based artist presents another politically charged work in his exhibition at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow (Art Is Your Human Right: The Artistic Campaigns of Bob and Roberta Smith, 16 October-31 January 2016). The piece, Dear Mayoral Candidate, asks London’s prospective mayoral candidates to sign up to an arts education pledge consisting of five points, including: “Strive to make all schools art schools.” The mayoral election takes place May next year (we salute you Mr and Mrs Smith).
