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A new agency to promote touring of drama, music and dance in Wales has been launched, based in Aberystwyth. Creu Cymru, meaning ?Creative Wales?, will act as a liaison between theatres and arts centres across Wales and the performing companies appearing at these venues.

Creu Cymru member venues are all professionally managed, but represent a wide range of organisations in terms of capacities, programming, programme needs and management styles; yet they have interests in common regarding the future of touring and the promotion of the performing arts in Wales. Led by Director Richard Hogger, who was involved in setting up Eastern Touring Agency whilst working at Eastern Arts Board, the new agency aims to address the potential crisis of availability, provision and diversity of appropriate touring in Wales.

Creu Cymru will research and develop touring work for its member venues, from within Wales, the rest of the UK and internationally. By co-ordinating tours and guaranteeing work for touring companies, it aims to make a wider range of touring work available to Welsh venues. There will also be cost savings to the venues, of multiple buying of tour performances. The agency has a specific remit to encourage the development of work of Welsh origin, through the medium of both Welsh and English, and has opened dialogue between Welsh producers and presenters.

Creu Cymru has a membership so far of 31, including the country?s main theatres and arts centres. It will be representing the views of its membership in the national debate about the development and funding of the arts, and has already made representations to both the National Assembly and Arts Council of Wales regarding the potentially adverse implications for its members, of the development of the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Initially set up to operate for two years to test the need for its services, funding for the new venture is being been provided by the Arts Council of Wales? Lottery programme, together with small subscriptions from members.

For further information e: creucymru@yahoo.co.uk