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A new theatre writing initiative for Wales, committed to developing innovative drama in English and Welsh, is to be set up in June 2000. This was announced by the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) today (Thursday, October 21). This initiative, which may take the form of an independent company. is likely to be based at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Its main performance venue would be the Sherman's Studio. The initiative's artistic leadership will be in addition to, and will work operation, for which ACW has reaffirmed its support. ACW will be providing £170,000 towards supporting the initiative which also reflects a broader aim of building bridges between presenters and producers throughout Wales. Three ACW revenue-funded companies - Dalier Sylw, Made In Wales and the Sherman Theatre Company - have been invited to bid for the running of the centre. "The setting up of a new writing inmitiatiove is an import-ant element of the ACWs drama strategy," said Joanna Weston Chief Executive of the ACW "The strategy stresses its commitment to developing innovation in the arts and opportunities for Welsh artists. We believe this initiative offers a fresh start to build on this commitment through providing a platform for new writing in English and in Welsh. This is the first time that both languages have been brought together in this way." The new writing initiative has been developed following an unprecedented degree of support from writers in English and Welsh responding to the ACWs draft drama strategy published in January 1999. Chronology: A Drama Strategy for Wales June 1998 The Arts Council of Wales published its consultation paper Building A Creative Society. The overall objective of the strategy was to a develop a practical vision for the arts, following three years of standstill in the ACW's own grant from what was then the Welsh Office. The review focused on all artforms, but it became clear that drama needed particular attention, because of problems: of funding spread too thinly. It was felt appropriate to look at ACW's policy of providing revenue support for a relatively large number of companies. ACW supported 20 revenue drama clients with only four receiving more than £1 50, 000 annually. This is not in line with UK trends, e.g. Scottish Arts Council has eight revenue drama clients, seven of which receive more than £150,000 annually. regarding the need to create more opportunities for theatre practitioners. of a network of TIE companies which was set up during the 1970's and 1980's based on the old eight county Local Education Authority structure. Restructuring led to Local Authority funding dropping by half. This was ACW's largest-ever consultation; over 2,000 documents were distributed and 20 public and arts sector meetings were held. By August, 1998, over 220 responses were received for consideration in determining strategic options. September 1998 Specific consultation on Theatre for Young People began. 21 January 1999 ACW published its Draft Drama Strategy For Wales: Consultation Paper. A period of consultation followed and areas of proposed change identified. responses showed a majority were in favour of change, particularly the need to fund fewer companies better. there were 151 responses to the draft drama strategy. In addition, ACW officers attended 23 follow-up meetings. June 1999 The resulting Drama Strategy for Wales aims to address the need to support professional production of high artistic quality-and the need to ensure access to that work throughout Wales. The strategy includes implementing: creation of two Welsh National Performing Arts Companies Clwyd Theatr Cymru to produce and tour work of high artistic quality in English for touring and presentation across Wales as well as providing enhanced opportunities for Welsh artists a new Welsh language producing and touring theatre powerhouse based in Gwynedd a new national framework to supply professional theatre tailored to the needs of young people further consideration of the roles of building based producers (Sherman Theatre, Cardiff and the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven) focused support for new writing improved schemes for drama practitioners substantial long term work opportunities for theatre artists. |
| Arts Council of Wales web site: www.ccc-acw.org.uk |
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Thursday, October 21, 1999 |
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