Debate about the future of arts funding in Wales has gained pace, with Eleanor Burnham AM, culture spokesperson for the Welsh Lib Dems, presenting to the Assembly the party?s opposition to proposals to abolish the Arts Council of Wales (ACW). The motion stated that the functions of the Arts Council of Wales should not be taken into the direct control of the Assembly Government, but the debate came one vote short of securing ACW?s future.
Although Labour AMs Leighton Andrews and Lorraine Barrett spoke in favour of the general principle of keeping ACW at arm?s-length, they refused to back the motion. Eleanor Burnham said, ?The First Minister revealed during the debate that he expects to make an announcement on November 30? We now have a fortnight to keep up the pressure on the First Minister to ensure that his government does not take the damaging steps which would result in the politicisation of the arts in Wales.?
Subsequently, Chris Bryant MP, backed by four other Welsh Labour MPs, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, urging Ministers not to change the Government of Wales Act to give the Assembly control over ACW. Their motion notes that under the Government of Wales Act, the National Assembly for Wales has no powers to take functions away from Royal Charter bodies such as ACW, and expresses the hope that the ACW will retain its independence, its responsibility for grant-giving, and its role in determining arts strategy.