ACW faces extinction

News of the impending abolition of the Welsh cultural quangos came just days after an announcement to the Assembly, the day before its summer recess, that the Welsh Development Agency, the Wales Tourist Board and the post-16 education and training body, Elwa, will all be brought under the direct control of the Welsh Assembly Government by spring 2006. Following a leak to the Western Mail, which published a story naming the Arts Council of Wales, National Museums and Galleries of Wales, the National Library of Wales and the Welsh Books Council as being "the next candidates for being brought 'in house'", the First Minister summoned the Chairs of these and all the other Welsh quangos to a meeting, at which they were given the opportunity to prepare their cases defending their independence. These must be submitted to the Assembly in the autumn, though their influence is likely to be limited, as Rhodri Morgan has made it clear in an a statement to the BBC that most Welsh quangos will be abolished within two years, to clear the way before a Welsh Assembly election campaign the following year.

The increasing number of direct funding interventions by the Welsh Assembly Government in recent years, including cash for chamber orchestras and funding for mobile touring theatre (ArtsProfessional, issue 71, April 5) has for some while been raising concerns that the principle of arm's-length arts funding may be under threat in Wales, but the sudden announcement in the absence of prior consultation has taken most by surprise. In response to the integration plans, ACW has appointed consultant David Pratley to assess the situation on its behalf. Iestyn Davies, ACW's Head of Communications, said "The Assembly Government's review presents us with an opportunity to examine the principles that govern the relationship between the arts and government as well as the practical arrangements that enable us to deliver the best service to both… The Council will consider a full and reasoned examination of the issues at its September meeting before submitting its views to the Assembly Government." Responding to the observation in the Western Mail that the uncertainty was "causing havoc" at ACW, he said "Staff obviously have concerns for the future but they realise that whatever the future arrangements are there will still be a need for personnel skilled and knowledgeable in the arts. In the short term however it is very much as case of business as usual."

Welsh Conservatives Assembly Leader Nick Bourne AM has spoken out vigorously against the so-called "bonfire of the quangos", stressing that arts organisations in Wales should be allowed to remain independent from the Government. Professionals within the arts sector have also been quick to defend the role played by ACW. Simon Harris, Artistic Director of Sgript Cymru – Contemporary Drama Wales, said "The idea that independence can be safeguarded by a legal sanction of freedom of expression… is just not realistic, especially if the simpler thing to do is to remove an organisation’s funding on the basis of the work not complying with a governmental objective…". Former ACW Chair, Sybil Crouch, endorsed his views, saying " Some will undoubtedly rejoice at the opportunity to lobby politicians directly – and we know there are certain special people who already have a direct line to those at the top. Until the Assembly explains the value, the benefit, the purpose of this move the cynics will draw the conclusion that this is about patronage and about control." A spokesperson at The Scottish Arts Council, which is itself currently the subject of a review of Scotland’s cultural infrastructure by a newly formed Cultural Commission (ArtsProfessional issue 73, May 3) has said that it is "awaiting the outcome [in Wales] with interest." Arts Council England declined to comment at this stage.