Task and Finish Group on Participation in the Arts in Wales

Inquiry into Participation in the Arts in Wales

Response from Participant

1. What kind of arts activities do you currently participate in (for example, drama, music, arts, writing, crafts, filmmaking, dancing)?

Crafts

2. Why do you participate in arts activities?

Increasing my knowledge & understanding Inspiration and self-realisation

3. Has arts provision been withdrawn in your area because of budget cuts?

No - no more than other public services, which have been even more severely cut by comparison

4. If so, how has this affected you?

It hasn't

5. Do you think that people have enough opportunity to participate in arts activities in your area?

No, but this is not due to budget cuts - this has always been the case - aspiration and demand for arts participation has always outstripped supply (what is available!). The WA should be very wary of interpreting short-term reaction as this is a longstanding need and aspiration - we all want more arts activity, and are all working to support this for over 20 years or more.

6. Would anything help you to participate more in the arts?

More time, and the ability to match my own needs and interests with what is on offer - that is the general way I approach selecting anything to buy, experience or participate in. It isn't realistic to expect arts organisations who don't usually have much money to cover everything - they shouldn't be treated as the scapegoat sticking plaster for the economic mess in which we find ourselves. Better we have a good quality sector that is going to take us somewhere and is properly set up to be able to put something back over the medium-term than an ineffective sector funded for political reasons. The timing of this survey and inquiry appears unfortunately cynical - major decisions have been made with careful consideration and we should now be moving on and looking at how to build on that in future.

7. What might stop you from taking part in arts activities (for example, accessibility)?

Lack of affordable and properly timetabled public transport. Lack of facilities that are accessible for people with physical disabilities.