We have enjoyed a high level of public subsidy for the arts in this country since 1945. But taxpayers' money can no longer keep pace with rising costs. Can private firms plug the gap? Given a free market, how far could box office earnings cover costs?
Presented by Derek Rob inson with contributions from The Rt Hon Norman St John-Stevas , MP, Minister for the Arts, Sir Roy Shaw , Secretary-General of the Arts Council, Sir Claus Moser , Chairman of the Royal Opera House, Sir Stuart Hampshire , Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, and Sir Peter Hall , Director of the National Theatre. Producer DAVID PERRY