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In his first keynote speech since being appointed as Minister for Education, Culture and the Welsh Language, Carwyn Jones AM has outlined his vision for the arts in Wales. At the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) annual conference, the Minister made it clear to ACW that he values its expertise and contribution to the arts, and will not be changing its name as it is already a well-established and much respected brand. His comments have put a decisive end to a period of major uncertainty over the future of ACW, during which previous Culture Minister, Alun Pugh, attempted to take control of funding for six national companies in Wales and dilute ACWs remit in what was widely described as the bonfire of the quangos. (See AP issue 80).
Jones said, The Government does not have the expertise that the Arts Council has, but it is important that Government in involved in strategy or the direction of travel. It would be an insult to the arts community not to play a role, not to care about the arts. What I want is Government interest in the arts, not Government interference.

An Arts Strategy Board chaired by the Culture Minister, with representation from ACW, the Welsh Local Government Association and other organisations, is intended to play an important role in setting the strategic direction and ensuring sustainability of planning and resources in the arts. The Board will be supported by a joint secretariat, and is due to be established in Summer 2007, with the hope of re-defining the relationship between the Welsh Assembly Government and ACW.

The Minister also commented on the long-debated issue of establishing an English Language theatre company in Wales, saying that there is a need to establish such a company but that it does not necessarily require a permanent building, and could instead be a board with commissioning powers. Such a development would mirror the establishment of the widely acclaimed National Theatre of Scotland.