Labour leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn has spelt out his plan for publicly funded arts, saying the economy depends on a "flourishing" creative sector.
Backed by celebrities including actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, he told an audience in north-east London that if elected, he would create a cabinet committee for the arts and creative industries aimed at bringing together ministers from across departments.
He added that under his leadership, Labour would head a campaign to defend the BBC licence fee to fund production of news and arts programmes.
He also proposed a living waged national creative apprenticeship service, as well as guidelines on minimum standards of artists' pay, including exhibition fees.
Mr Corbyn launched his Arts & Culture Vision for Britain 2020, with an introduction written by author and playwright Frank Cottrell Boyce.
He said: "A successful economy and a healthy, creative, open and vibrant democratic society depend on a flourishing creative sector.
"Culture and the arts play an essential role in individual and community wellbeing. If we are to achieve our goal in government of supporting people in leading more enjoyable and fulfilling lives, funding for the arts must be central to that offer.
"If elected Labour leader, I pledge to work alongside the creative industries to support, develop and collectively achieve a culturally rich, more prosperous future for our country."
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