Arts Council of Wales announces drastic funding changes

Arts Council of Wales has announced big changes to its funding as part of its 2023 Investment Review process.

81 creative organisations have been offered conditional multi-year grants, totalling £29.6 million in funding from the Welsh government and the National Lottery, after a record number of applications.

Loss of funding

While some music organisations will receive funding for the first time, other longstanding recipients have seen a complete cut.

Mid-Wales Opera, which received £107,056 last year, is one organsiation to lose all of its funding. In a statement, it revealed that it is ‘deeply disappointed’, adding that ‘this will be a hammer blow for the young artists who gain invaluable career development opportunities from working with us'.

Trac Cymru, which offers folk music teaching services, is another organisation to lose its entire funding, having received £77,537 last year.

Funding increases for music

However, Community Music Wales and BBC National Orchestra of Wales are set to receive more funding than in the previous year, along with Live Music Now Wales and Sinfonia Cymru. The Welsh National Opera is set to receive over £4 million, and more than £10.5 million is set to go local venues across the country.

Arts Council of Wales chief executive Dafydd Rhys said: ‘This Investment Review represents a very positive shift for the arts in Wales, one which will lead to new opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with, and enjoy creativity of the highest quality.’

Rhys added that ‘strategic interventions’ will be put in place to address any areas with gaps or reduced access to arts activities.

View the full report and list of funding recipients on the ACW website.