Support grows for the arts in Wales

There has been a significant increase in arts engagement, attendance and participation in the arts in Wales since 2005, according to new research published by Arts Council Wales. Based on a sample of over 7,000 adults resident in Wales, who were interviewed between June 2009 and February 2010, the proportion of people attending arts events at least once a year has increased from 76% in 2005 to 86% in 2010. The numbers taking part in arts activity has also risen, from 20% in 2005 to 39% in 2010. The arts events attended by the largest proportion of the population were: cinema (62% at least once a year), live music events (51%), and art and craft exhibitions (39%). The arts are supported and valued across Wales, with 86% agreeing that there should be public funding of the arts. Ninety-seven per cent of respondents agreed that all children should have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and participate in arts activity in school, and 92% thought that taking part in arts and cultural activity helped build confidence. The research, which mirrors the DCMS’s annual ‘Taking Part’ surveys (AP224), found similar demographic patterns in Wales: arts attendance and participation levels are generally highest among higher socio-economic groups and those who hold higher education qualifications. However, people in the lowest social groups in Wales are now twice as likely as to take part in the arts than they were in 2005, and attendance and participation levels amongst the black, Asian and minority ethnic population of Wales were similar to the rest of the population.