Labour Government not listening to Wales’ cultural institutions

Plaid Cymru press for greater accountability in upholding the democratic mandate to support cultural institutions.

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for culture has written to the Labour Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership demanding that the Labour Welsh Government “acknowledges its responsibility” in ensuring cultural institutions are “nurtured and maintained in line with the democratic will of the Senedd.”

These calls come after the closure of the state-funded National Theatre of Wales in December 2024, and a new Welsh National Theatre being established by Michael Sheen - a private individual.

The Plaid Cymru MS states that the Labour Welsh Government has a democratic responsibility for maintaining cultural institutions that “showcase Welsh creativity, talent and identity”.

The National Theatre of Wales’ establishment received cross party support as part of the 2007 One Wales Agreement. The letter from Heledd Fychan MS says that her party will “continue to highlight this issue and press for greater accountability in upholding the democratic mandate that established these institutions”.

Plaid Cymru state that “action should have been taken to address concerns before we ended up in this situation”, where the National Theatre of Wales was forced to close, which has undermined the “collective efforts that led to its formation”.

She continues by urging the Labour Welsh Government to “reflect on the broader implications of this approach and to reaffirm its commitment to supporting Welsh arts and culture as a vital foundation of our national identity”

Plaid Cymru culture spokesperson, Heledd Fychan MS said:

“Michael Sheen shouldn't have to do the Labour Welsh Government's job for them and fund a new English-language National Theatre for Wales, especially as the establishment of Wales' National Theatre in 2009 was the result of cross-party consensus in the Senedd. All the more worrying is the fact that when questioned on the crisis facing the culture and arts sectors, both the First Minister and the Minister for Culture seem to bury their heads in the sand and fail to recognise the severity of the situation facing them.

“It’s clear that Labour isn’t listening to the concerns raised, such as those raised by the Chief Executive of Arts Council Wales who warned ‘that there will no professional sector in 10 years’ if funding cuts continue.

“This warning from Arts Council Wales and countless other organisations including Welsh National Opera, Creu Cymru, the National Library of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru warning of the impact of cuts, shows clearly that Labour are either not listening or don’t understand what’s going on.

“Plaid Cymru is clear that the cultural, heritage and arts sectors are vital and deserving of government support. They bring people together and drive growth in our creative industries. We cannot let these sectors wither on the vine, and we continue to urge the Labour Welsh Government to safeguard Wales' rich culture and heritage.”


Showing 1 reaction

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.
  • Brooke Webb
    published this page in News 2025-01-21 11:50:14 +0000

This starts with you

They have the money but we have the people. If everyone who visits this website joins our movement, there's nothing we can't accomplish together.

Campaigns