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Full text of the ACW's press statements on the future of Theatre for Young People |
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The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) announced today (Friday, October 22) the companies who will be running its new Theatre for Young People franchises in south and mid Wales. A total of £375,000 will support the three companies that will be based in the Valleys, reflecting a long-standing commitment of ACW to redress the imbalance of funding towards the south Wales Valleys and to develop arts activities targeted at young people who have traditionally been excluded. In cash terms, this will mean a 40 per cent increase to funding projects for young people in the Mid and East Valleys. Across the board, the companies' annual programmes are prioritising work for young people. The four companies are: West Valleys - Theatr na n'0g (formerly Theatre West Glamorgan) (£125,000) Mid Valleys - Spectacle Theatre (£125,000) East Valleys - Theatr Iolo (£125,000) Mid and West Wales - Arad Goch (£185,000) "In each case, we were impressed by the artistic vision and flair of these companies," says Joanna Weston, Chief Executive of ACW. "The presentations they gave at interview provided interesting new ideas about training for the sector, for example, as well as proposals for partnerships with other companies. "Obviously, there were difficult decisions to be made and those companies who were not successful in their bids will be severely disappointed. We value their dedication and commitment over the years." ACW is now working closely with local authorities affected by the decision on securing new partnership funding arrangements, which will carry forward the spirit of co-operation that has underpinned financial provision to date. "The decision over the awarding of these franchises is in line with our Drama Strategy for Wales," adds Ms Weston. "The publication of the strategy and subsequent consultation with practitioners and local authorities revealed the difficulties of sustaining our network of Theatre In Education companies, linked to the old eight county Local Education Authorities that have been affected by government restructuring. The alterations to the local authority map meant that funding to TIE companies fell by half. "The decisions that have arisen out of this process of review have been complex and I have to add that there are still some further details to be settled on provision in the North Wales area, before an announcement is made." |
| Arts Council of Wales web site: www.ccc-acw.org.uk |
| Press Office, Arts Council of Wales e-mail: |
Friday, October 22, 1999 |
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