|
Dear Mike Having just read the Draft Drama Strategy for Wales , I write in haste to express two immediate concerns: Firstly the timescale you propose both for withdrawing funds from companies and notifying others of their grants in writing is unacceptable. Strictly speaking, most drama companies in wales are in danger of trading illegally or will be unable to commit to any activity in the first quarter of the next financial year. Others, that you propose to cut, have already entered into commitments that they must honour beyond September 1999. Secondly, I find it very hard to see this as a consultative [document]. I would be grateful to know what you are consulting on. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss both these issues, perhaps you could cal me next week Nicola Thorold Director -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes on the meeting with Mike Baker, Artform Development Director, Arts Council of Wales Following a meeting of ITC members based in Wales and the release of the Arts Council of Wales' draft Drama Strategy, Nicola met Mike Baker to discuss concerns. These included The disappointing 2.8% increase in the Arts Council from the Welsh Office, envisaged for the next three years The genuine nature of the 'consultation' process. Mike stressed that they could still reverse some strategies mentioned if the consultation persuaded them However, it is unlikely that they will abandon the plan to remove four of the eight TYP franchises. ITC argues that ACW should wait until the new Assembly had decided its plans for arts and education The interventionist nature of some of the proposals; Mike was unable to give assurances that he would protect smaller companies if a proposed policy failed because of the unwillingness of a third party to adopt a new strategy ITC's concern that the Welsh Arts Council is not standing up sufficiently for professional theatre. Mike disagreed that this was the case The timetable of the proposed withdrawal of funds was unreasonable and currently placed most touring companies in Wales in the position where they should not be programming beyond the summer. Grant allocations will not be confirmed before the end of March |
| ITC web site: www. |
| e-mail: |
Friday, January 22, 1999 |
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999