Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Response from Touch Trust

1. What organisation do you represent?

Touch Trust

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

Children and adults with profound disabilities of all kinds ,including profound autism , challenging behaviour ,the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Also post nineteen students who because of their disabilities are unable to access further education.

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

We are surviving so far with committed fund raising ,but it is difficult to ensure the same survive in this economic climate

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

Those with profound disabilities (or clients) are finding it harder to continue to come to us.

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

Yes ,our guests who have profound disabilities. This is why we focus on them. Mid Wales and rural areas ,who we are focusing on in outreach projects

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

It is very difficult .We are constantly fundraising ,looking for donations and raising money for development through our license and copyright .Apart from ACW we have a further £15000 for rent in WMC from CCC

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

We have artists volunteering to help us ,here from WNO ,RWCMD, UWIC and individuals. A grant to pay them expenses would increase this essential and invaluable aspect

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

Yes ,absolutely .ACW has supported us 100 fold, so has WMC .We are indebted absolutely to this far seeing and whole hearted support from these bodies -especially the mentoring and funding from ACW

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?

I do hope so ,I know our work is being recognised and appreciated now in a way that was not so before .WG and ACW support us with their new policies in a pioneering way,