Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament
Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol| Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee
Effaith Gostyngiadau Cyllid ar Ddiwylliant a Chwaraeon | Impact of Funding Reductions for Culture and Sport
Ymateb gan: Jill Mustafa, Rheolwr Cyffredinol, Canolfan Gelfyddydau Wyeside| Evidence from: Jill Mustafa, General Manager, Wyeside Arts Centre
1. What impacts has reduced funding had on your organisation and sector so far?
Reduced funding has led to problems producing a balanced budget. This results in cuts to our artistic offering, job insecurities, an inability to succession plan. Working on a month to month basis makes it impossible to plan events long-term, this leads to the inability to market events successfully - all of which have a negative impact on our earned income.
2. What measures have you taken in light of it, such as changing what you do and how you do it.
We have reduced staff hours and cut our program offering.
3. To what extent will these impacts be irreversible (e.g. venues closing, or specialist skills being lost rather than a temporary restriction in activities)?
A lack of secure revenue funding puts our venue at risk. We run on insufficient staffing levels and have no resources to plan for the future.
4. What interventions would you like to see from the Welsh Government, beyond increased funding?
A long-term commitment to subsidize the arts sector. An investment in the arts is vital in rural areas. Venues play a significant role in the vibrancy of their communities and participation in the arts has recognized health and wellbeing benefits.
5. To what extent do the impacts you describe fall differently on people with protected characteristics and people of a lower socioeconomic status?
Many of our customers would not have access to the arts if our venue was to close.
6. Do you have any other points you wish to raise within the scope of this inquiry?