Amid stringent funding cutbacks for the Arts in the UK, a leading Welsh Government minister has reiterated, that in his words, "...there will be no decimation of the arts as we've seen in England."

Active participation

In a far reaching speech given to the recent Arts Council Wales Conference, Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, stated that he was determined that the Welsh Government would support what he called ‘Active Participation’.

This would see financial support go to groups and organisations whose work tackles disengagement from education or unemployment, and which can give Wales exposure in the wider world in terms of its artistic and creative excellence.

Creative nation

In his speech he reiterated that he wanted to see the arts and creative industries to benefit from increased investment and participation to enable Wales to become, what he called, “the most active and creative nation in Europe” — basing his belief on the fact that 22% of people stated participation in the arts was essential to their lives.

More financial support

He also questioned why at present, "…why brass bands in Wales don't win more financial support, along with community festivals and small-scale music festivals, given that evidence confirms they are the only cultural activities that people from the most deprived communities frequent more than those from the least deprived communities."

He backed this by offering his commitment in the form of a new Policy on the Arts, “....as to better exploit the synergies that make creativity and physical activity mutually beneficial to all participants” — worth an extra £10 million from the Welsh Government.

European Championship

The speech comes on the back of a determined move by Welsh banding to secure ‘major event’ Government funding to bring the European Brass Band Championship back to Wales for the first time since 1992.

…why brass bands in Wales don't win more financial support...given that evidence confirms they are the only cultural activities that people from the most deprived communities frequent more than those from the least deprived communitiesAM, Ken Skates

Resonated

Former Brass Band Wales Forum Chairman, Iestyn Davies, who works closely in a professional capacity with the Welsh Government, told 4BR that the announcement shows a highly encouraging degree recognition and potential support for the banding movement in Wales.

“The speech certainly resonated within the arts community in Wales, and it was encouraging to hear the minister use the artistic and creative excellence of brass bands as an example of what he believes could be a driving force for good within Welsh communities and to the wider world.”

He added: “It is crucial that Welsh banding is able to forge strong links with its Government — and this is a welcome open invitation to do just that.”