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PROTESTS AT ZERO FUNDING DECISION FOR GWENT THEATRE
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The Arts Council of Wales’ decision to axe all of its funding of Gwent Theatre from March 2011 is attracting widespread protests across North Gwent and beyond – including fans as far afield as the United States and Hong Kong.
The decision means not just a reduction in Gwent Theatre’s funding, but a cut to zero funding in the coming year, putting the survival of the 30-years-old theatre company in doubt.
Questions are to be asked in both the Welsh Assembly and the UK Parliament by AMs and MPs as to why funding is being withdrawn from a company that provides drama services to schools in some of the most deprived areas of Wales.
Letters and emails expressing shock and dismay are arriving daily from young people, schools, town councils and others in the community.
One handwritten letter, signed by 91 children at a Caerphilly school, speaks of their disappointment at the decision and describes how Gwent Theatre “has inspired our generation and showed what a benefit culture can be”.
Other letters, from headteachers in Blaenau Gwent, point to Gwent Theatre providing a rare opportunity for children to experience live theatre in their schools, adding that “poor communities will become even more impoverished.”
Gregg Taylor, Chairman of Gwent Theatre, says: “People who have seen the work are at a loss to understand how this decision was arrived at – especially as they do not have a strategy for culture and the arts involving young people.
“What is most extraordinary is that the Arts Council has decided to cut five of the eight companies providing theatre in education services to schools in Wales before coming up with any strategy to replace those services.
“Contrary to the Arts Council’s stated aim of ’transformation and renewal’ they are creating a cultural vacuum throughout the region and badly hitting vulnerable communities.
“Gwent Theatre has touched the hearts and minds of thousands of people living in Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent and we are heartened by the spontaneous response to this harsh decision.
“This year alone almost 22,000 young people have seen performances and participated in workshops provided by the company. We can’t believe the Arts Council intended to leave a black hole in South East Wales where thousands of children and young people will now be devoid of artistic theatre work in their schools.”
Gwent Theatre is also the home of Gwent Young People’s Theatre (GYPT), which provides youngsters with opportunities to participate in theatrical productions which are publicly presented to the community.
Mr Taylor said that members and former members of GYPT are also protesting as they realise the impact the decision will have on their youth theatre, putting the future of GYPT at serious risk too.
“We believe the Arts Council are making a grave mistake, and we call upon them to reconsider their decision.”
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Gwent Theatre
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010 |
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