The Welsh Government has been criticised for leaving struggling Welsh arts organisations waiting for weeks to find out if they will receive support.
On July 17 First Minister Mark Drakeford gave an assurance that the Welsh Government were “very close” to making an announcement on how they would support the arts.
Wales is receiving £59m as a consequence of the money that the UK government announced it would spend in England on July 5.
The arts has been particularly hard hit at both professional and grass roots levels because of coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown,
Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Culture, Sian Gwenllian MS said the delay was unacceptable and that clarity was essential for the sector which was now “on its knees”. It is claimed that 60,000 people employed by the industry now have their livelihoods at stake.
Plaid Cymru’s shadow minister for culture, Siân Gwenllian MS said: “Despite an assurance from the First Minister last week that he 'was very close to making an announcement' about 'the first tranche of funding' from the £59M support package to the arts, the sector is still awaiting news and clarity. This lack of information is causing widespread anxiety and frustration.
“The arts sector is on its knees and practitioners and organisations urgently need transparency from the Welsh Government. Plaid's calls for clarity from the Deputy Culture Minister have been ignored, and this further delay indicates one of two things - serious incompetence from Government or an unwillingness to fully support the arts sector in Wales.
“The arts and creative sector is an important part of the Welsh economy, employing nearly 60,000 people, and it can play an important part in the well-being solution in helping us get through the pressures of lock-down. But if the financial support doesn't materialize very soon, parts of Wales' once thriving industry will simply disappear overnight, and it may take years to recover. Welsh Government would be wise to heed this warning.”
When questioned by WalesOnline a spokesman for the Welsh Government said “a decision is due imminently”.
He added: “We continue to work with partners in the arts to develop a funding package of support which meets the needs of the sector.”
