With the support of the Welsh Language Commissioner's Office, the Arts Council of Wales have prepared a comprehensive new package of resources to promote bilingualism.
The pack’s aim is to increase the use of Welsh at arts venues and activities, create bilingual workplaces, and offer support to anyone in the arts world wishing to learn Welsh, improve their language skills or increase their confidence in speaking Welsh.
The new resources on the Arts Council of Wales's website includes:
- A questionnaire to gauge the level of bilingualism in an arts company’s work
- Advice on developing bilingual activities and creating a bilingual workplace
- An explanation of the legislation relating to the Welsh language
- Information on creating a bilingual brand and identity
- Guidance on accessing Welsh lessons or improve language skills
Birchall and Thomas were commissioned to plan and prepare the content, and the Resource Pack is available on the Arts Council of Wales's website:https://arts.wales/working-bilingually-introduction-and-requirements
We know that the Welsh language is of huge importance to the arts sector and that the sector works hard to create stimulating works through the medium of Welsh, as well as ensuring the rights of employees and audiences to use the language. The new resources on our website will make it easier for organisations and employees to know what is required of them, as well as what they can do to improve their bilingual provision.
Sian Tomos, Director Arts Development at the Arts Council of Wales.
We welcome this exciting new resource and congratulate the Arts Council of Wales on their clear plan and guidance for people running arts events and groups. The arts are at the very heart of our communities in Wales. They enable Welsh speakers to socialise in a fun and natural environment and have a vital part to play as we endeavour to achieve the Welsh Government's aim of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
The Commissioner has recently launched Cynnig Cymraeg [Welsh Language Offer], a quality mark for organisations which do not come under the standards, aimed at improving the promotion of Welsh language services to the public. By working with the Arts Council, we hope to encourage more arts organisations to commit to Cynnig Cymraeg, thus providing further opportunities for Welsh speakers to use their language.
Aled Roberts, the Welsh Language Commissioner.