Commenting on the latest announcement that the arts and culture sectors will receive £53 million, the Shadow Minister for Culture, David Melding MS, said:
“Earlier this month the UK Government announced a historic support package – worth £1.57bn, of which Wales was to receive £59 million – to help shield the arts and culture sectors from the devastating impact of COVID-19.
“While I acknowledge the support the Welsh Government has already given to the creative sector now was the time to demonstrate decisive leadership which they have failed to do. Wales rightly regards the creative sector as a strategic growth area and key to Wales’ economic success. It is also central to the nation’s ever evolving story and something we want to project worldwide. Rather than short changing the sector by £6 million the Welsh Government should have added to the funds now made available to Wales by the UK Treasury.
“Given the grave predicament the sector is in, the Welsh Government needs to reverse its decision and ensure the full amount reaches Wales’ arts and culture sectors to help keep both afloat.
“Although funding has been announced the Welsh Government is light on detail. The sector urgently needs to know how and when it can get access to this much needed funding.”