Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Response from Ballet Cymru

1. What organisation do you represent?

Ballet Cymru

2. Which groups of people participate in your organisation’s arts activities?

Children and Young People Adults Disabled and non disabled Dancers and non dancers

3. Do you think that budget changes have affected participation in the arts, either positively or negatively?

Budget changes have not affected participation in the arts for Ballet Cymru. Our figures have not dropped, and if anything are rising annually.

4. Do you think that certain groups of people have been affected more than others?

No, not from our point-of-view.

5. Are there gaps in provision for people to participate in arts activities, either demographically or geographically?

Yes, both demographically and geographically. We consider there to be gaps in further training, in geographical areas and people from socially challenged areas.

6. Are there enough funding sources available other than the Arts Council for Wales? Are alternative funding sources accessible?

No, we believe there are not enough funding sources and alternative funding sources can be difficult. ACW are still the primary source of funding for the arts.

7. What role does the voluntary arts sector play in promoting participation in the arts in Wales and how can this be supported?

Ballet Cymru does not have support from the voluntary arts sector.

8. Is the strategic relationship between the Welsh Government and the bodies that distribute arts funding effective in increasing participation?

Yes.

9. All public bodies in Wales will have published a strategic equality plan by April 2012. Do you think that these new public sector equality duties will help to increase participation in the arts among under-represented groups in Wales?

So long as the published strategic equality plan is practically applied.