The potential for a “heavy-handed emphasis on… distinctions between amateur and professional” has been identified by the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) in the draft of ‘Taking Part: Arts Participation Strategy 2009–2013’. The strategy aims to increase opportunities for participation in the arts, raise the quality of participatory arts practice, and help Welsh participatory arts become more sustainable. ACW has also published the draft of ‘Changing Lives’, its strategy for children, young people and the arts. This states that “all children and young people should have the right to freely participate in cultural life and the arts”, but admits that some do not. ACW aims to involve children and young people in developing policies, projects and plans through the introduction of a Children and Young People’s Advisory Panel. Responses are sought for both documents before 12 April.
