I had the most amazing day! I just attended this lively semi light hearted short one hour debate on ‘the future of the arts’, part of the UCL Festival of the Arts, chaired by the Dean of Arts and Humanities, Professor Jonathan Wolff, and panelists were Professor Lisa Jardine (UCL Historian and Broadcaster), Professor Malcolm Grant (UCL President and Provost) The Rt Hon David Willets MP (Minister for Universities and Science) and in my non bias opinion, the ‘guest star’ was Grayson Perry (artist), my absolute hero, who did attend dressed as Claire!

I wish the debate was a tad longer. It was too short with too many panelists to be honest, considering the time constraint. I was glad it wasnt a huge auditorium, just enough to still be intimate but not so small to feel privileged! The event was followed by drinks and delicious canapes and a chance to mingle, which I did embarrassingly well ;p

The highlight was obviously meeting Grayson Perry who gave my friend and I 15 secs to talk and take photos with him before he made his way to some friends his spotted across the room or possibly they were strangers and he was running away, I cant be certain. He clearly was in high demand. As a substitute, I made my way over to one of his other fan, (I thought I was his biggest fan, but clearly I’m delusional) who came to listen to this debate, and who also brought merchandise from Grayson Perry’s previous exhibitions, to be autographed by the man himself. This guy was seriously committed, plus he shared the same initials as Alan Measly, which made me question my own self confessed adoration. He regularly attends Grayson Perry events. I have only been to one. I bow down to this man’s dedication. This is what true idol worshiping should consist of, especially for someone as worthy as Grayson Perry, the most talented artist and craftsman of our time and truly a national treasure.

Grayson PErry, festival of arts, UCL
Grayson PErry, festival of arts, UCL

http://the-future-of-the-arts.eventbrite.co.uk/