NEWS POLITICS

Regional politicians express shock over arts funding cuts

Craig Williams, Member of Parliament (MP), and Russell George, Member of the Senedd (MS), both representing Montgomeryshire, have voiced their profound concern and astonishment at the recent decision by the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) to curtail multi-year funding for The Hafren theatre and Mid Wales Opera, effective from April 2024.

1 year ago   2 minutes read    2,326 views

The image for Regional politicians express shock over arts funding cuts
 
Share            Listen to the story

Craig Williams, Member of Parliament (MP), and Russell George, Member of the Senedd (MS), both representing Montgomeryshire, have voiced their profound concern and astonishment at the recent decision by the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) to curtail multi-year funding for The Hafren theatre and Mid Wales Opera, effective from April 2024.

The ACW has decided not to provide revenue funding to The Hafren and Mid Wales Opera under the new scheme set to be implemented in 2024, marking an end to decades of support for these renowned artistic institutions.


  Other Trending Stories

This new funding scheme has led to Powys experiencing one of the most significant reductions in arts funding in Wales, with the county facing a reduction of more than 25% compared to its funding from the previous year.

Craig Williams and Russell George have expressed their profound shock at the ACW's decision and have taken the initiative to communicate their concerns. They have jointly written to ACW's Chief Executive, Dafydd Rhys, as well as the Welsh Government's Minister for Arts, Dawn Bowden MS, and Powys County Council Leader, Cllr James Gibson-Watt, seeking urgent discussions to address this critical issue.

Craig Williams MP commented:

"This decision is profoundly disappointing for both The Hafren and Mid Wales Opera, and it has far-reaching implications for the arts and culture scene in Montgomeryshire. These organizations are an integral and invaluable part of our community and the broader Mid Wales region. At a time when we aim to enhance public access to Wales' rich heritage of music, arts, and culture, the decision to cut decades of funding is not only detrimental to the future of The Hafren and Mid Wales Opera but also to the accessibility of arts and culture throughout Wales."

He further added:

"The ACW has acknowledged the existence of a funding gap in North Powys. Therefore, the decision to cut arts funding for the region by over 25% compared to last year's allocation is nothing short of outrageous and will undoubtedly have severe and long-lasting consequences. Both Russell and I are urgently seeking discussions with the ACW, Welsh Government, and Powys County Council to address this concerning situation."

Russell George MS remarked:

"I am shocked by the ACW's choice to discontinue multi-year funding for The Hafren and Mid Wales Opera, effectively ending decades of support for both institutions. Arts and culture should not be confined solely to major cities like Cardiff but should be accessible across the entire country. It is imperative that places like Mid Wales continue to provide these cultural experiences to the local community and beyond. Audiences at The Hafren come not only from Montgomeryshire but also from West and North Wales, as well as from across the English border, contributing significantly to our local economy."

"Craig and I are eager to meet with the ACW and the Welsh Government Minister as soon as possible to address this critical matter."

You've viewed 1 stories so far!

All About Newtown is an independent not-for-profit online news and information service for the town of Newtown in Mid Wales. We provide ad-free content, so rely on reader subscriptions and donations to run.

  Donate via PayPal

Related or similar stories based on this one

Image for the article New Arts Strategy consultation underway
New Arts Strategy consultation underway

2 years ago

Image for the article Welsh Government promises ban on lying politicians
Welsh Government promises ban on lying politicians

10 months ago

Image for the article Plans for crackdown on lying politicians unveiled
Plans for crackdown on lying politicians unveiled

2 months ago

Business of the Week
La Terrazza Bistro

Park Street

Follow us

Connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Google News

     

Trending
Powys could be forced to use reserves over NI costs

10 hours ago

Councillors question pothole claim publicity

4 hours ago

Donate to us

We're a not-for-profit community interest company and have no corporate owners. We'd appreciate anything you can give to keep us providing free content.

  Donate via PayPal
Upcoming Events
Newtown 10k 2025

25/05/25 08:40am

Business Wales: Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Service

27/05/25 11:00am

The Weave

07/06/25 07:30pm

Latest Stories
Councillors question pothole claim publicity

4 hours ago

Powys could be forced to use reserves over NI costs

10 hours ago

Opinion: Powys patients deserve fairness

1 week ago