MINISTER MUST MAKE MORE COMPELLING CASE FOR GWENT THEATRE

19^th October 2010 

  William Graham (Conservative AM for South Wales East) questions Assembly Heritage Ministers on the Arts Councils decision to cease funding Gwent Theatre. 

 “I outlined the need for the Minister to call for a review of this decision”. 

 “Gwent Theatre offer children in some of the most deprived areas of Wales their only opportunity to experience live theatre”. 

 “It is acknowledged that such theatrical activities inspire increased interest in school pupils, across the curriculum, but notably in creative writing, reading, the visual arts, history and politics”. 

 “Whilst it is vital that we support establishments such as the Wales Millennium Centre and the Welsh National Opera; it is equally vital that we support organisations such as Gwent Theatre, which ignite and nurture an interest in the arts in our children”. 

 The Minister stated that he had seen Gwent Theatre perform at this year’s National Eisteddfod, a performance he enjoyed immensely. He also outlined that is remit letters to the Arts Council asked them to focus investment on increasing access to, and widening participation in, high-quality arts, particularly in areas of deprivation. To consider further how it could facilitate arts organisations providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people and others to make a contribution.  

The Minister concluded by stating that individual decisions are the Arts Council’s alone, and I have no powers to direct it in any of those. 

 “If the Minister values the provision of wider access to high-quality arts, particularly in areas of deprivation, then he must make to the Arts Council, a more compelling case for continued funding for Gwent Theatre”.