Arts Council Wales warns of theatre closures

Theatres could face closure if they do not receive support to help with the cost-of-living crisis, the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has warned.

Giving evidence to a Welsh Government inquiry on the impact of rising costs, ACW interim chief executive Michael Elliott said more than 50% of arts venues that replied to a recent survey claimed they would be reducing their activities due to increasing costs.

Elliott said theatres would have to start looking at "safe, more well-known programming" of shows rather than more "creative and riskier programming" to make sure money is recouped, while touring productions would be seeking guarantees or fixed fees from theatres and venues.

In accompanying written evidence ACW said there has been a 20% to 40% increase in the costs of making productions since last year.

The submission also highlighted that independent arts companies and venues would 'face closure without increased support'.

It warned that ticket prices could be raised in response, with a reduction to the number of 'performances, exhibitions, community activity, touring, hours of operation and workforce levels' if support is not secured.