Night Waves - Free Thinking 2009 - Sport or the Arts

In a discussion recorded in front of an audience at BBC Radio 3's Free Thinking ideas festival at the Sage, Gateshead, Philip Dodd and guests debate which is the greater human achievement - sport or the arts. Global sport is a triumphant blend of high drama, athletic grace and operatic personalities. But is it really the noblest of endeavours or an overhyped money market? And can the arts be dismissed as elitist when season tickets cost a fortune and our great galleries are free? As the 2012 Olympics approaches, a panel from both worlds tackle the issues. It features Simon Pryde, presenter of BBC Newcastle's Total Sport; Ed Smith, former test cricketer and author of What Sport Teaches You About Life; Bill Feaver, art critic and author of The Pitmen Painters; Edith Hall, historian of ancient Greece and Martin Kelner, author and sports writer.