Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Response from Participant

1. kind of arts activities do you currently participate in (for example, drama, music, arts, writing, crafts, filmmaking, dancing)?

Music

2. Why do you participate in arts activities?

It is a safety valve to left of steam and to allow me to participate in a community of interest.

3. Has arts provision been withdrawn in your area because of budget cuts?

No, my arts sector is largely self financing and has been since the demise of the initial lottery funding rounds. The impact has been the failure to invest for the future.

4. If so, how has this affected you?

The lack of investment in people and in strategic priorities for the artform and past time is beginning to show as ensembles are unable to maintain sufficient numbers to perform and to perform to a high standard

5. Do you think that people have enough opportunity to participate in arts activities in your area?

No, the neglect of established artforms particularly choral, community orchestral and brass groups means that the capacity they have to be engaged with policy priorities of Welsh Government and the arts funders has been ignored.

6. Would anything help you to participate more in the arts?

Support for more events and festivals that connect with established artforms which have networks which can be used.

7. What might stop you from taking part in arts activities (for example, accessibility)?

The structures in place are beginning to weaken and without them events will cease to be viable and eventually not exist. It is unlikely that different participatory artform will take their place.