Andrew Scott: We must defend and protect the arts

Actor Andrew Scott has called for artists and critics to be "allies in defending and protecting" the arts.

He described the arts as "this extraordinary thing that only human beings can do". 

"The arts are not a luxury or an entertainment or a diversion," Scott said, adding: "I say that not as a practitioner of the arts but as a person who’s going through a difficult time." Scott’s mother Nora Scott died on March 7. 

Speaking at the Critics’ Circle ceremony at @sohoplace, Scott said: "I’ve noticed so much in the past few weeks that it’s the artists that have really given me some respite and somewhere to go, a break from the horrible shock and despair."

"Particularly, for me, the compassion and skill of the writers, the playwrights and poets who can hold up a mirror to you when you are not able to have the strength to summon one up for yourself – they do it for you."

"That’s so compassionate. It’s purely magic. It was a genuine lifeline for me and it was the lifeblood of my mother and many people across the world, even if they are not artists themselves."

He added: "I’m not exaggerating when I say that I feel that the artists have saved and made my life." 

Scott went on to thank the critics for the honour as he collected the award for best actor, and continued that he hoped actors and critics could "argue not as enemies but as allies", and collaborate in protecting the arts. 

"The arts are not a luxury or an entertainment or a diversion. We can differ in opinion but I hope that we can argue not as enemies but as allies in defending and protecting this extraordinary thing that only human beings can do," he said. 

After thanking Vanya’s producers and writers, he concluded his speech with a tribute to "my magical mother".

"Most of all," he said, "I want to say thank you to the person who introduced me to the wonder of the arts, and who was the source of practically every joyful thing in my life. She was my real hero and my absolute best friend, and she was the most compassionate and generous and discerning of all the critics."