The Blue Print

During difficult economic times, there is a real danger that politicians and members of the public can oversimplify the financial argument. There can be a tendency to look at the debate in black and white – what is essential and what is superfluous; what public money must fund (the frontline) and what has to go.

Frontline services are of course very important – hospitals, schools, social services, are all essential services that people expect to be funded by government; they are services that people rely on. However, there are spheres in our society that also deserve support because of the enriching texture that it brings to our daily lives; the added value that comes from performance, creativity and history, generates well-being, which gives quality to our lives.

Funding of heritage and the arts is an important part of British culture. To allows us to explore ourselves and our cultural identity. I’m not going to get drawn into a debate on how much the state should fund or about whether we have the right balance of funding, between state subsidy and philanthropic patronage. What I will say, is that the current model of government money channelled to independent, arms-length bodies, who make the final decisions on where that money should go, is the right one. But there has to be some remit guidance from government as to how that process should operate – so that everyone involved in that process is clear as to what is expected - this is vital to ensure equality. Moreover, there has to be some strategic rationale regarding wider government policy and how funding organisations that aim to deliver the goals of inclusivity, innovation and aspiration, is a social mission that helps transform society and benefits its citizens.

The Hijinx Theatre Company, is one such company that for me, ticks all the boxes of marrying strategic policy goals with the creation of innovative, challenging and high quality artistic production. The unique and excellent work of Hijinx is well known; not just in the capital but across Wales. The inclusive and respectful way in which it operates is exemplary, offering each performer – both able and those with special needs – a real sense of achievement and fulfilment.

Yet, I was astonished that the Arts Council for Wales has slashed its budget by 40% and has done so without any clear explanation why it has taken such a decision. I am of course, very aware of the constraints on public sector budgets due to the unprecedented legacy left by the previous UK administration. However, for a government body that received only a 4% reduction in its programme funding to inflict a 40% cut on one of its funded organisations, is out of step with the rest of its budget allocation and does not make any rational or strategic sense.

I am certainly not the only Assembly Member unhappy with treatment of Hijinx. I think the Arts Council must come forward and justify its decision to reduce the funding for Hijinx by such a considerable amount. But more importantly, the Assembly Government needs to clarify the remit guidance that it provides the Arts Council, to ensure that each organisation that applies for funding is treated equally and that each decision that is made is independently evaluated to ensure absolute fairness to all.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am and is filed under Senedd Shorts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.