Arts companies that specialise in supporting those with disabilities are among those that are facing art cuts later this year.
From April 2016, five arts and culture organisations across Wales have been told that they will NOT be receiving any council funding, these groups include: Earthfall: Cardiff-based dance and theatre company, Dawns Tan/Tan Dance: a dance organisations based in Neath Port Talbot, and SWICA Carnival who organise carnivals in Cardiff and across the country.
Theatr Ffynnon in Cwmbran works primarily with adults and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues, and has be named as one of the five groups to not receive their grant. The company is recognised “as a model of best practice in supporting the development of a disability arts culture in Wales and beyond”.
Cardiff based, Touch Trust: Arts Company works with people with learning disabilities and those affected by autistic spectrum disorders, and also provide bursaries for their members who cannot afford the holistic and creative programmes on offer. They also will not be receiving their share of the money.
Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has announced that 67 art companies across Wales will find a slash of 3.5% to the public money funding that they will receive, having to split the £27.5m that is available to them.
According to the new Arts Portfolio Wales, the companies that get less than £150,000 have been protected from any cuts.
However, amazingly, whilst many companies will now struggle to bring arts and culture to those most in need, some will see a boost to funding.
The popular Ballet Cymru’s funding is increasing from £193,842 to £243,842 despite the fact they are also funded by the National Lottery.
Adding to this Wales’ leading chamber orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru’s, finances are almost doubling from £111,459 to £210,459 from April. They are also sponsored by many other organisations.
It’s a crying shame that those who need the help the most are found ‘undeserving’ of public financial support.
words ELLENA TANGI, photo JON CANDY