Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union in Wales, has issued a response following the reveal of the Welsh government’s arts funding proposals for 2025-26.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s draft budget is disappointing for the arts and shows that the Welsh Government is still not listening to Equity, the arts sector or the Arts Council of Wales (ACW). The First Minister may call this a budget ‘for hope,’ but it provides none to our members who are already struggling to sustain careers in the industry,” Simon Curtis, the Equity Wales Chief, stated per the official release. \u201cThe extra \u00a31,095,000 funding for ACW next year in no way makes up for the cuts of previous years \u2013 and in a budget which includes \u00a31bn of ‘new money’ due to the Westminster budget, this increase in ACW funding is derisory. We cannot forget that this is taking place against a backdrop of a 40 percent cut in funding in real terms since 2010. This proposal will see the sector continue to struggle, with institutions \u2013 like the Welsh National Opera \u2013 continuing to be in crisis and cutting productions and workforce numbers.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement also comes in stark contrast to the Scottish Government, who announced a \u00a334m increase for arts and culture last week, showing real interest in the cultural infrastructure and workforce of their country,” he continued.\u00a0\u201cAccording to ACW figures, every \u00a31 of funding they receive generates \u00a32.51 back into the economy, yet this draft budget fails to acknowledge that good culture is good for the whole economy and provides no form of long-term investment or sustainability for the sector and its workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n