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Yesterday, the Wales Association of Performing Arts (WAPA) met for their half-yearly meeting. Members expressed concerns over the proposal for the Welsh Assembly Government taking the ACW into its direct control. Many of us feel that the work that Geraint Talfan Davies and Peter Tyndall have been doing over the last two years has been very positive and it would be beneficial to the developement of policy to invest in this process in order to stimulate and increase arts activity throughout Wales. Members also expressed their grave concerns over the potential loss of the arms length principal. In particular with regard to the recent crucial involvement of the independent ACW in negotiating direct with Powys Council when they decided to withdraw all funding from Theatr Powys and Powys Dance. ACW were able to be instrumental in reversing the decision of the Local Government Councillors, something that Assembly Members and the Minister would not be constitutionally in a position to do. We feel this is crucial for you to consider in your deliberations - most ACW clients rely on partnership funding with the Local Authorities of Wales - your proposals could put these partnerships in severe jeopardy. In the last ten years, the Arts have had a turbulent time here in Wales, particularly as a result of Local Government re-organisation in the mid 90's and the various changes in leadership at the Arts Council. A period of stability and re-investment was begun with Geraint Talfan Davies and is extremely welcome. We need to build on these foundations to ensure a flourishing and vibrant arts community engaging people throughout Wales. Yours sincerely Margaret Jones and Vall Hill on behalf of the WAPA membership |
| WAPA web site: |
| Margaret Jones and Val Hill e-mail: |
Friday, November 12, 2004 |
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