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A study of dance activity in six Local Authority areas in South Wales has found that Dance is alive and well in the valleys communities. The study will be presented by Valleys Dance Initiative at the National Assembly for Wales today. The Valleys Dance Initiative is a partnership between 6 Local Authorities in the South Wales Valleys comprising Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Torfaen. Funded by The Arts Council of Wales, and working with the local authority Arts Development Officers, an audit of existing participatory dance funding and a feasibility study into the future development of dance in the region has been undertaken since August 2000. The study also looked at the impact of the arts and cultural industries in Wales and the potential contribution to social and economic development. The study will inform the three-year development plan and strategy for the development of dance within and across six local authorities. The outcome of the feasibility study will also inform local authority arts development strategies, and is expected to impact upon funding applications for Objective One and other targeted funding for disadvantaged areas. ACW Chief Executive Peter Tyndall says ‘Dance is one of ACW’s priorities and we are delighted to be able to have funded the audit and feasibility study, which will play a central role in informing future dance developments in the region. We are also pleased that the funding of this study could lead to increased levels of European funding for Dance in Wales, through initiatives such as Objective 1.’ <hr> ·Community Dance is at various stages of development in the six authorities. Whilst some have a long history of community dance activity, others are just beginning the process. ·The development of a broad strategy for Dance in the Valleys is suggested as a means of strengthening and diversifying activities which can contribute to the economic and social well being of the area. ·Dance is both a community activity which can impact upon confidence and identity, and a professional activity which can enrich communities and open up new vocational opportunities. ·Dance has a role to play in community development, in capacity building, and in building the skills and opportunities of people through training and performance. The project aims were to: ·Assess the levels of activity and provide a Feasibility Study with recommendations for the way forward for each authority ·Produce a written report with recommendations for the future of dance development in the Valleys, and ·Map out a three year development plan with its financial implications |
| Arts Council of Wales web site: www.ccc-acw.org.uk |
| Iwan Williams e-mail: iwan.williams@ccc-acw.org.uk |
Tuesday, January 22, 2002 |
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