Welsh arts workers facing ‘unsustainable pressure’

The Welsh performing arts sector has reached a “critical tipping point” as ongoing funding cuts place “unsustainable pressure” on staff, according to a new report

A sector snapshot, published by performing arts membership body Creu Cymru, also warns that spiralling costs of running and maintaining buildings have prompt fears of “asset stripping” by local councils.

The report says that ongoing funding cuts have resulted in reduced artistic output, employment and resources, “placing unsustainable pressure on sector staff”, and limiting the capacity to support new projects, community collaborations and freelance opportunities.

The organisation’s members include local and national arts centres, producing theatre companies and university venues.

Years of underspending

Among those interviewed for the report, there was a “unanimous and urgent” call for strategic long-term investment in Wales’ cultural buildings, which are “reaching their own crunch point” after years of underspending.

Many of these buildings are Grade II listed and require ongoing repair and maintenance to keep them safe, says Creu Cymru.

“Across the board members spoke of the impact of skyrocketing energy costs, as well as eye watering increases in insurance premiums increasing the financial burden they’re factoring into their operations,” the report adds.

These challenges are bringing an increased focus on the relationship between the arts and local authorities and universities – which own many cultural buildings and are facing “their own crises”.

While most councils and universities still cover energy and maintenance costs, increasingly venues are facing recharges, or general maintenance “isn’t happening”, says Creu Cymru.

“Our members were clear that were they suddenly asked to shoulder energy costs, they would no longer be able to function,” warns the report.

Asset-stripping concerns

Meanwhile, a recent consultation on a proposal to “mothball” Blackwood Miners’ Institute has fuelled concerns that “local authority asset stripping could become more commonplace”.

Caerphilly Borough Council this week committed keeping the institute open.

The report goes on to say that reduced funding is leading to a reduction in production capacity and increased technical costs, as staff with “key transferable skills” leave the sector for better-paid opportunities elsewhere.

In turn, this is leading to fewer performances and home-grown productions, further limiting opportunities for Welsh talent and leading to growing concerns over the viability of touring in Wales.

All of those interviewed for the report said that cuts have also piled pressure on their fundraising capacity. Members had encountered difficulties in securing grants, saying application pathways had been closed early due to “overwhelming demand”.

In addition, Creu Cymru says cuts are making it harder for performing arts organisations to work with communities at a time when they are increasingly “shouldering [the] impact of issues around anti-social behaviour, poverty and fuel poverty”.

Communicating impact

The report adds that one of members’ “most persistent sources of frustration” is “feeling unable to rigorously communicate the social value and impact of the performing arts”.

Many organisations are struggling to demonstrate this due to a lack of resources and support.

“There needs to be a shared, coordinated approach between grassroots, organisational and government level to develop robust, shared understanding of the ecology, mechanisms and value of the sector to develop a plan to protect it from deepening crisis,” says the report.

Creu Cymru director Louise Miles-Payne said the Welsh performing arts sector was at a “critical tipping point”.

“The interconnected ecology of our performing arts not only enriches lives but also contributes significantly to Wales’ economic and social well-being,” she said.

“Without immediate and strategic intervention, we risk losing this invaluable cultural fabric.”

“The challenges are immense, but so is the resilience of Wales’ performing arts sector,” added Miles-Payne.

“From pioneering green infrastructure projects to programmes empowering underrepresented creatives, the sector continues to innovate and inspire. This resilience needs to be matched by strategic investment and support.”