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An urgent appeal from Theatr Powys in their campaign against the new drama strategy for Wales |
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The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has recently announced its intention to withdraw all funding (£133,916) to Theatr Powys. This decision has been made following their announcement of a new strategy for the provision of professional theatre for young people on a nationwide basis. Companies across Wales were invited to bid against each other for three year, fixed term Theatre for Young People (TYP) funding agreements…essentially franchises. Successful Companies are now to be responsible for providing Theatre for Young People over vastly increased geographical areas. The proposal is that the Company who will now provide work in Powys must also cover Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The implementation of these new funding agreements is designed to reduce the current number of eight revenue funded TYP Companies to five, with a reduction of £169,000 (£889,000 to £720,000) in revenue funding available for Theatre for Young People in Wales. Implementation will also put £200,000 in Local Authority funding for the arts at risk. Wales needs and deserves more resources for Theatre for Young People, not less. For the past 18 months Theatr Powys has maintained a position of opposition to the new model of delivery defined in the ACW Drama Strategy. The Drama Strategy is bad news for the people of Wales: Fewer opportunities for Welsh Audiences….particularly the young, to experience live theatre Fewer new plays Fewer work opportunities for Welsh actors, writers, directors, administrators and designers The Company is fighting the ACW decision "not to prioritise Theatr Powys for the Mid & West Wales TYP Funding Agreement", and doing all in its power to defend its work with the young people of Powys and their communities: work that has developed over 27 years. We have joined with Gwent Theatre (who are also to have all of their ACW funding removed), The Wales Association of Performing Arts, The Welsh Local Government Association, 118 Members of Parliament and many Arts Practitioners across Wales in calling on The Arts Council of Wales to suspend the implementation of their Drama Strategy pending the National Assembly review of ACW, due to commence in January 2000. THEATR POWYS provides the following comprehensive artistic and educational programme for young people and the communities of Powys and Wales: A nationally and internationally recognised Theatre in Education service - free of charge to all ages of young people in Powys schools. Small scale touring to community venues in Powys and nationally: A provision that ensures all members of the community has access to live theatre at affordable prices. The award winning Mid Powys Youth Theatre: Offering young people opportunity to engage in year round drama and music workshops and to be part of major productions. A significant technical, costume and "people resource" that is used by many schools, community groups and individuals each year. In the course of its year round programme of work Theatr Powys will employ between 40 and 50 freelance actors, directors, designers, musicians, production staff and other practitioners. This total provision has been developed over 27 years and owes much to the enormous support of Powys County Council in partnership with the Arts Council of Wales. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following letter was presented by a delegation from Theatr Powys to Sybil Crouch, Chair of the Arts Council of Wales at a meeting of the ACW Council in Cardiff on 10th November 1999: Dear Sybil The full impact and implications of the Arts Council of Wales Drama Strategy, particularly in respect of theatre provision for young people and for new writing are beginning to come clear. The outright closure of three Companies and possibly five now stares us in the face. More will follow. The level of anger, demoralisation and disillusionment grows daily. Were the Council to allow itself to hear, it would surely have to recognise that to press ahead, imagining that a future provision built and developed such foundations can be strong and truly enriching, is idealist in the extreme. This economically driven and and sadly, cynical process has caused much damage already. It is not yet too late to re-establish an approach to strategy that is built on trust and integrity and therefore can endure. Theatr Powys, the Powys County Council and the countless schools, young people, community organisations and audiences who have already declared their opposition, do not ask for a crude reversal of decision making that will compromise other artists in Wales. We believe passionately however that a suspension of the implementation of this current strategy and a re-examination of potentials, will allow the development of a coherent strategy without the destruction of provision, people and employment opportunity, currently (and to an extraordinarily degree unilaterally), being legislated by the ACW. We join with WAPA, the hugely significant number of Members of Parliament and Assembly Members, The Unions and the TMA in saying that the Arts Council of Wales must suspend must suspend the implementation of the strategy now pending the Assembly review. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are asking for your help. Please write to the following people to support Theatr Powys` call for the suspension of the ACW Drama Strategy pending the National Assembly review of the Arts Council of Wales, due to commence in January 2000 Theatr Powys in its fight to save its provision of Theatre for Young People Sybil Crouch Chair Arts Council of Wales Museum Place CARDIFF CF1 3NX Ian Hill Director Community Leisure & Recreation Powys County Council LLANDRINDOD WELLS LD1 5LG Please send a copy of your letters to us at: Theatr Powys, FREEPOST, The Drama Centre, Tremont Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5BR or by e-mail to theatrp@mail.powys.gov.uk If you require any clarification please phone us on 01597 824444 or fax us on 01597 824381. We will ensure that local and national politicians are made aware of your views. |
| Theatr Powys web site: |
| e-mail: theatrp@mail.powys.gov.uk |
Wednesday, November 17, 1999 |
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