Welsh Government commits to culture funding for anti-racism

Cultural and heritage activities in Wales are to receive a share of a £4.5m pot supporting the delivery of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.

More than £2.8m is being shared over three years between 22 local, regional, national or independently-run culture, heritage and sport organisations across Wales.

Funded organisations include the Association of Independent Museums, Butetown Arts and Culture Association and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.

The Welsh Government says funded projects “focus on co-production, demonstrating a commitment to placing lived experience at the centre of policy, service development and delivery”.

A further £1.67m is being designated to the Welsh Government’s cultural and sport arm’s length bodies, including National Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales, to “build on existing and new programmes of activity, accelerating their work on anti-racism at a national level”.

Arts Council Wales will also receive a share of funding to put towards the appointment of more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic creative practitioners.

“Our national and local museums, galleries, libraries theatres, and sporting venues need to be inclusive of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and place,” Wales Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden said.

“Our culture, heritage and sports services must be culturally competent and reflective of the history and contribution made by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people to Welsh society.”