Stephen Graham Urges UK and US Governments to Protect Arts Funding

Award-winning actor Stephen Graham has made a passionate call for the UK and US governments to stop cutting funding for the arts, warning that young people are paying the price.

Speaking as his hit Adolescence continues its awards run, Graham said programmes that support children and working-class communities are being stripped away during austerity drives. He argued that access to theatre, drama and creative education can help young people thrive and avoid trouble.

Awards momentum

Adolescence is expected to perform strongly at the Golden Globes on January 11. The Netflix drama recently dominated the Critics Choice Awards, winning four honours including Best Limited Series.

Graham said the show’s success proves that stories about families and real social challenges matter to audiences. He added that he is proud the cast and crew come from working-class backgrounds and reflect modern realities on screen.

Concern over US cuts

The actor also criticised cuts to arts funding in the United States under Donald Trump, saying public television, radio, museums and theatre have been badly affected.

Since Trump returned to office, funding has been slashed for organisations such as the National Endowment for the Arts. More recently, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shut down after Congress voted to remove taxpayer support, impacting PBS and National Public Radio and their affiliates.

“I’m of course worried about the cutbacks that have been made across both countries,” Graham said. “We need to produce art. Art is integral for humanity.”

‘You can’t keep blaming the kids’

Graham stressed that governments cannot expect young people to succeed while removing community centres, youth clubs and arts programmes.

“You can’t keep blaming the kids when you’re taking away the opportunities,” he said. “You have to feed them with knowledge. There’s nothing better than real human interaction. The government needs to put its hands in its pockets and pay for the arts.”

He praised teachers, youth theatres and mentors who helped him early in life, noting that co-star Ashley Walters has set up a school to pass on skills to the next generation. He also referenced growing up in Merseyside alongside fellow actor Christine Tremarco, saying those early chances changed their lives.

Power of storytelling

Graham spoke for several minutes about how television and film can help audiences reflect on society.

“Art is important to the human species,” he said. “Sometimes we’re invited into people’s homes to make them think a little. Our programme was made with love, integrity and compassion, and that comes through the screen.”

Sequel tease

Despite his wife, Hannah Walters, suggesting the team should “gracefully walk away” after the show’s success, Graham hinted that a follow-up could still happen in the future. “We may do something a few years down the line,” he said, drawing laughs from the room.

Adolescence is widely tipped to win Best Limited Series, along with acting honours for Graham and his co-stars, as awards season continues.