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Writers’ Guild of Great Britain open letter to Alun Pugh AM
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Dear Alun Pugh
We are deeply concerned about the recent decision not to re-appoint Geraint Talfan Davies as Chairman of the Arts Council of Wales.
The relationship between Government and the arts is a sensitive issue. Well-established conventions which have been in place for more than half a century, should not be overthrown without the most careful thought and the widest consultation. We are shocked that there is no evidence of this having taken place in Wales prior to a fundamental change in current arrangements.
Whilst deeply critical of the Arts Council of Wales in former years, the WGGB has welcomed recent changes in the organisation, ethos and structure of ACW – many of which have been overseen and indeed instigated by the current Chair.
Over the last five years ACW has undergone a prolonged period of consultation and restructuring and become – in our opinion - a far more open and democratically accountable body, without compromising the independence and arm’s-length principles which are so vital to a healthy arts culture and to safeguarding artistic freedom of expression.
As a union, we are concerned with the role of the writer, and are therefore, particularly worried about the Assembly’s proposal to make the two largest theatre companies in Wales as well as its literature Academi direct clients of a Government Minister.
Theatre cannot carry out its task of challenging us all, or be seen to do that, if it is a politician who holds the purse strings and influences which plays will be funded or which films will be made. The notion of Academi – an organisation representing writers – being a direct client of a Minister is Soviet-like in its implications.
And now this decision not to renew Geraint Talfan Davies’s appointment – in effect a sacking – comes at a time when a period of stability and continuity is sorely needed after years of upheaval and uncertainty amongst the arts communities in Wales. Not only that, but Mr Davies has the confidence of the arts professionals, together with the experience and skills needed for the job. To claim this is a matter of “access” smacks of a smokescreen, particularly when one examines Mr Davies’s track records at the BBC, WNO and indeed ACW, all of which demonstrate a commitment to increasing access and participation in the arts.
These decisions have been taken with little or no dialogue between the Assembly and relevant arts organisations. The cultural field is an area where all Governments need to demonstrate particular care and sensitivity. It is not an area in which it is wise to bulldoze proposals through against reasoned opposition. We would ask that you think again about these proposals. Wales’s cultural record is a splendid one. The writers of Wales and the whole of the UK plead with you not to tarnish it.
Bernie Corbett
General Secretary - WGGB
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Writers Guild of Great Britain
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Wednesday, February 1, 2006 |
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