The Arts Council of Wales has published its response to a research report looking into the distribution and strength of Welsh language arts activity and made a clear commitment to increase investment in the development of Welsh language arts activity, for the benefit of all.
The report was commissioned in November 2019 from Elen ap Robert, a freelance arts consultant, following an open tender process. The report’s recommendations were accepted in October 2020.
Marian Wyn Jones, Deputy Chair of Arts Council of Wales and Chair of its Welsh Language Committee said:
“We very much welcome the report and wholeheartedly accept its recommendations. Council’s commitment to increase its investment in Welsh language arts activity through its National Lottery programmes is a major step forward and should help ensure that many more people can enjoy the arts through the medium of Welsh, wherever they are in Wales.
“We are extremely grateful to those organisations and individuals who have responded to the call-out for information for their valuable insights, and this has helped inform our response. We look forward to working with current and potential partners to develop new audiences and to make the language more accessible through the arts.”
Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive Arts Council of Wales also said:
“The Welsh language provides the means to understand and enjoy an extraordinarily rich literature and culture. The arts have a vital contribution to make in helping to ensure that the Welsh language flourishes. However, the report makes it clear that it is no longer good enough for us to be reactive in relation to the Welsh language. We have an important role in developing the language, encouraging its use and value at every opportunity, and to bring creativity and imagination to the fight to keep the language flourishing.
“We must improve the ways that we support the arts in Wales to embrace bilingualism. Getting this right will show the benefits of this in a contemporary, diverse Wales and in a multilingual world.
“We recognise that there’s much to do but we can’t do this alone. The report’s focus on partnership working is an ambition that we very much share.”
The Mapping Report highlights 10 recommendations that align with the objectives of the Art Council’s corporate plan, 'For the Benefit of All'. Full details of the recommendations and the Art Council’s response to them, can be seen here.