[Daniel Silk]

u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=12703&pt=e

MONDAY 18/06/2007 18:03:48

Young people inspired by Banksy

Young people rate Banksy above Leonardo da Vinci in a list of art heroes.

A survey asked 18-25-year-olds to name the artists who most inspire them from the world of music, dance, literature, film and visual arts.

Walt Disney topped the poll and Phoenix Nights star Kay was the surprise second choice.


Guerrilla artist Banksy was third, while da Vinci managed only fourth place.

Reggae legend Bob Marley was fifth.

Jane Austen was sixth, and the only author to make the list.

Bob Dylan was seventh, cult film-maker Tim Burton eighth, screen siren Marilyn Monroe ninth and Hollywood actor Will Smith rounded off the top ten.

When all age groups were asked the same question, Leonardo da Vinci came top, followed by Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol.

The overall list included Banksy, Peter Kay and Bob Marley, but also featured Pablo Picasso and Oscar-winning animator Nick Park.

The survey of over 6,000 people was commissioned by the Arts Award, a qualification which recognises young people`s development through the arts.

The award`s head, Diana Walton, said: "The results show that young people are inspired by a range of artists who they feel are relevant to their lives today, including comedians and musicians, but also renowned arts figures like Leonardo da Vinci."

The award is supported by celebrities including actor Richard E Grant, artist Sam Taylor-Wood and TV presenter Graham Norton.

Norton said: "In today`s society where young people are often stereotyped as aggressive and anti-social, the Arts Award is a great way to see so many of them are channelling their creative energy in a positive way."

Culture Minister David Lammy will present the 1,000th award tonight at the Roundhouse in Camden, north London.

Top 10 Art Heroes (18-25-year-olds)

1 Walt Disney
2 Peter Kay
3 Banksy
4 Leonardo da Vinci
5 Bob Marley
6 Jane Austen
7 Bob Dylan
8 Tim Burton
9 Marilyn Monroe
10 Will Smith

Top 10 Art Heroes (overall results)

1 Leonardo da Vinci
2 Bob Dylan
3 Andy Warhol
4 Walt Disney
5 Peter Kay
6 Jane Austen
7 Banksy
8 Bob Marley
9 Nick Park
10 Picasso

[bige]

Glad banksy is on the top 10 list. Just think if banksy started doing cartoons like Walt Disney - bet they would be cool :-)