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)?

Music (classical, orchestral, chamber, solo, choral and opera, folk and popular), drama, ballet and modern dance, films, exhibitions.

2. Why do you participate in arts activities?

Because they enhance my quality of life significantly, They stimulate and challenge emotions and intellect and are very enjoyable.

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 Has arts provision been withdrawn in your area because of budget cuts?

Yes - a significant cut in the provision of live arts at Theatr Harlech has resulted from the withdrawal of ACW revenue funding of Theatr Harlech in 2010. Whilst a resumption of some ACW funding has enabled a limited programme of live arts there is still a significant shortfall in what is available compared to previous years.

4. If so, how has this affected you?

I have missed the regularity, diversity and variety of live arts in Theatr Harlech, since its short term closure a year ago, and resumption of a more limited programme since March 2011.

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

No, without Theatr Harlech people in Ardudwy have to drive for over an hour each way to attend similar/ larger scale arts events on the North Wales coast in Caernarfon, Bangor and Llandudno. There is no public transport available for such journeys in the evenings. Such distances, especially in the winter months, severely restrict the opportunities and increase the cost of participating in live arts for local people.

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

A resumption of a more varied and frequent programme of live arts in Theatr Harlech, adequately funded, staffed and publicised. The Theatr is also in need of significant refurbishment required capital expenditure to make it sustainable for future decades.

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

The complete closure of Theatr Harlech would stop me and many others in Ardudwy from enjoying live arts on anything like a regular basis. We do make annual visits to the WNO in Venue Cymru, but these also incur the cost of overnight accommodation, thus making it not affordable on a regular basis.