Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Response from Live Music Now Cymru

1. What organisation do you represent?

Live Music Now Cymru

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

Musicians who have been selected as performers and music leader for the scheme and disadvantaged people/communities of all ages.

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

Negatively in some regions.

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

Yes

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

Both - LMN tries to address this as much as possible in accordance with our aims and objectives as this is our raison d'etre. The organisation provides 250 participatory concerts and workshops each year for people who have limited access to live music. Working on a very limited budget we reach thousands of people each year but a further investment would enable us to extend our reach, increase activities and in so doing, address some of the gaps in provision.

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

No, not with cuts in music education and comparatively few Trusts in Wales.

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

The role of the voluntary arts sector should not be underestimated and is especially important in Wales. Tactical training in some fields however may not be amiss.

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

There are always possibilities for improvement

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?

Yes I hope and it was certainly good to be a part of a discussion on this earlier this year.