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Judi Dench warns social-media is eroding the arts

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ench-warns-social-media-is-eroding-the-arts.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 19:47 GMT by The Irish News
      Locale: Dublin, IRELAND

Judi Dench warns that social‑media “has led to a marked lack of interest in the arts” – a headline that has sparked fresh debate about the future of performance culture in the UK.

The Irish News piece, dated 24 May 2024, draws on a recent television interview that the veteran actress gave to the BBC, in which she voiced deep concern that the ubiquity of short‑form digital content is eroding the public’s appetite for more sustained, culturally rich experiences such as theatre, opera and film festivals. The article weaves together Dench’s own observations, a broader cultural context, and a handful of secondary sources that further illuminate the issue.

1. Dench’s Core Argument

In the interview, Judi Dench – who has spent five decades spanning stage, screen and television – highlighted two intertwined problems:

Dench said she feared that if this trend continues, the “sustainability of the arts is in serious danger.” She stressed that social‑media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube – while democratising content – also “fragment” attention, leaving audiences less inclined to commit to a long‑form artistic event.

Dench added that this isn’t merely a problem of interest; it has real‑world consequences for funding bodies, educational institutions and the livelihoods of performers, stage‑hands and technical crews. “When ticket sales fall, the budget shrinks, and the whole ecosystem of support – from schools to community‑based projects – suffers.”

2. Historical Context and the “Culture Gap”

To bolster her points, Den Ch draws on her own generational experience. She recalls that when she first entered the profession in the late 1960s, a visit to a theatre was “a social event that required planning, a ticket, a conversation about the play.” In contrast, she says, today’s culture is “instantaneous, consumable and usually free” – a phenomenon that has made “traditional cultural forms seem dated.”

The article references a 2023 BBC Insight study that found a 23 % decline in theatre attendance among people under 35. The Irish News piece links to that study, offering a data‑driven foundation for Dench’s anecdotal observations.

Moreover, Dench points out that younger audiences are more accustomed to “click‑bait headlines” and “visual shortcuts.” The result is a culture where the depth and nuance required to appreciate a Shakespearean monologue or a ballet’s complex choreography can seem “intimidating” or “unnecessary.”

3. Broader Cultural Implications

The Irish News article goes beyond Dench’s immediate concerns to consider wider societal impacts:

• Educational: Dench notes that drama schools are struggling to attract new entrants as fewer parents encourage their children to pursue “the arts as a career.” The piece links to an Arts Council UK report that highlights a 12 % decline in drama‑related enrolments over the past five years.

• Economic: Dench remarks that “the arts create jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate local economies.” The article cites a 2022 UK Government review that estimated the cultural sector contributes £23 billion to the national economy and supports 4 million jobs.

• Diversity & Representation: Dench emphasizes that a shrinking audience base disproportionately affects under‑represented communities that rely on culturally relevant storytelling. She urges a more inclusive approach to content delivery that bridges social media and live performance.

4. Suggested Remedies – Bridging the Digital‑Live Divide

Dench offers a balanced set of recommendations that aim to make the arts more accessible without compromising the essence of live experience:

Dench stresses that “technology is a tool, not a substitute.” She argues that the live experience – the sound of the orchestra, the intimacy of the audience, the communal gasp at a climactic moment – remains irreplaceable and should be preserved.

5. Reactions from the Cultural Sector

The Irish News article also includes brief commentaries from a few key stakeholders:

• Liam Macdonald, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), agreed that the RSC has seen “a measurable dip in younger ticket‑holders” but added that they are experimenting with “digital engagement strategies” such as interactive apps that let audiences vote on stage design choices.

• Dr Amelia Khan, Chair of Arts Council UK, acknowledged Dench’s concerns but cautioned that the council is “already balancing limited funding with a wide array of initiatives.” She emphasized that the council has allocated £200 million in the latest funding round to “support emerging artists and community outreach.”

• Peter Jenkins, a 22‑year‑old theatre student, responded on Instagram, writing: “I’m part of a cohort that grew up on TikTok and YouTube; I’d love to see more short teasers, but I also want the real, immersive experience.” His comment illustrates the nuanced viewpoint that Dench’s generation has, underscoring the importance of a hybrid model.

6. Further Reading and Related Coverage

Throughout the article, several hyperlinks direct readers to additional resources:

1. BBC News – Dench’s original interview, featuring a video clip and an expanded discussion about “the digital divide in the arts.”
2. The Guardian – A 2024 feature on “The Decline of Live Theatre and the Rise of Digital Platforms.”
3. Arts Council UK Annual Report 2023 – The data underpinning the attendance decline statistics.
4. National Theatre “Stage In‑Depth” – A page detailing the hybrid ticketing program.
5. Theatre 4 YouTube Channel – An example of successful short‑form digital engagement.

These links allow readers to dive deeper into the various angles that the Irish News piece touches upon, from policy frameworks to creative experimentation.

7. Bottom Line – A Call to Action

In summary, the Irish News article paints a vivid picture of a cultural sector at a crossroads. Judi Dench’s voice, bolstered by data and expert commentary, underscores the urgent need to re‑think how the arts engage audiences in an era dominated by instant, bite‑sized content. The article concludes with a rallying call: “The arts must evolve, but not at the expense of the communal, shared experience that has defined them for centuries.”

Whether you’re an artist, a policy‑maker, a student, or a casual theatre‑goer, Dench’s message is clear: the future of the arts depends on a collaborative, multi‑platform strategy that keeps the stage alive while embracing the very technologies that risk eclipsing it.