Speaking before the start of the Hay Festival John Griffiths emphasised the wider value of the arts. ‘With governmental and household budgets under increasing pressure, we are seeing more and more discussion about arts and culture in narrow economic terms. No-one will deny the fantastic contribution our creative sector makes to the nation’s economy, but as Hay exemplifies every year the arts mean so much more to us as a country than pounds spent.’
He went on to comment that ‘People want, perhaps even need the Arts more in difficult times. The Arts inspire us, they thrill and they comfort us. The arts foster a sense of wellbeing, supporting our society and regeneration of our communities by restoring pride and self-belief, making Wales a better place to do business, work and live.’
He noted that ‘Wales has a hugely rich and diverse cultural sector. The Hay Festival is just one example – albeit a very fine one – of just how vibrant our arts scene is. Yes the arts are an engine for growth but I also recognise the wider value of the arts and its because of this that, even in these challenging times, I will continue to support our arts and culture in Wales.’
In addition to supporting the Hay Festival the Welsh Government is also supporting a number of events in which the Welsh arts sector will be showcasing its talents; these include WOMEX in Cardiff in October and next year’s celebrations to mark the centenary of Dylan Thomas’s birth. Through the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government continues to fund and prioritise the less visible work of the arts – for example in tackling poverty, and in supporting and regenerating our most deprived communities.
The Welsh Government is also supporting the Welsh arts sector to extend its important educational role, both within and outside of schools. This helps young people to develop confidence and self-esteem, and to acquire the kinds of skills increasingly needed in the digital world.
Leave a Reply