Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Anonymous response

1. What organisation do you represent?

No Response

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

Mainly disabled people of all ages. We are currently working a lot with young disabled people. Arts providers also participate by attending our training courses and seminars.

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

Both. Our organisation Disability Arts Cymru has received enhanced funding from ACW, which enables us to provide a better, more effective service with a more equal spread across Wales. However, cuts to some arts organisations have undoubtedly had a negative impact on the individuals involved.

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

It is usually the case that people less able to speak for themselves, less able to get access to information, will be more affected. It can take time for new systems / ways of working to settle in and for the impact to be felt.

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

There are considerable gaps in provision for disabled people. It is a matter of changing the culture so that arts providers get used to making the adjustments which will enable disabled people to participate. This is happening but there is much work to be done.

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

No, there are very very few alternative sources other than ACW. Charitable trusts are heavily oversubscribed. It is particularly hard for individual disabled artists to access the necessary funding to develop their work. We receive many communications from disabled artists with ideas for work which will increase participation in the arts. But many of these artists need to develop their work before participation can happen. ACW has funding streams which are suitable for some but not for all. There need to be more options for funding.

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

The voluntary arts sector is vital in maintaining links and networks in the arts, working closely with artists / participants who may be outside of the kind of artists funded by ACW e.g. volunteers, art groups / clubs

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

In some cases. However, some local authority areas do not even have their own arts officer. Some LAs are not helpful or working effectively in the arts. If strong relationships are established this will make a considerable difference to participation.

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 undoubtedly.