A former regional funding body worker told me that the take-up of grants for tradarts-related activity was far lower than that for film, theatre and multimedia for one very startling reason: the "f*lkies" were by and large incapable of compiling a coherent application even when told, monosyllabically, how to go about it.

There are, on the other hand, those artists who produce their own CDs, handle their own publicity and admin, put in the effort to set up their own tours and are respected the length and breadth of the land for their commitment and musicianship.

Can't help thinking this is a microcosm of what might be viewed as the lower orders of society: the feckless workshy versus the hardworking artisan.