WITHDRAWAL OF ARTS COUNCIL WALES FUNDING

Early day motion 1338, tabled 3 April 2008 by Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 7 members.

That this House notes with concern the decision of Arts Council Wales to withdraw funding to six clients across Wales; further notes that two of these clients, the Centre for Performance Research and Dawns Dyfed are based in Ceredigion; regrets that the decision to reprioritise Lottery funding to the London Olympics has left Arts Council Wales with significant budgetary pressures; pays tribute to the achievement of Dawns Dyfed with children, young people and the disadvantaged across three counties for over 18 years; pays tribute also to the excellent regard in which the Centre for Performance Research is held on a national and international level for being a trailblazer in intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange in theatre and performance; further notes that the achievement of both organisations have been fully recognised by Arts Council Wales; reminds the Welsh Assembly Government of its commitment made in November that there would be no cutbacks to funding to arts bodies outside Cardiff; and urges the Arts Council Wales to work with the Assembly Government Culture Minister and the UK Government to reconsider their decision to withdraw funding, which stands to jeopardise the future of these two very successful organisations.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 5, DUP 1, Labour 1.