Welsh National Opera criticises ‘reckless’ ACE cuts

Welsh National Opera will struggle to maintain its standards and national identity following significant cuts to its funding from Arts Council England (ACE), the organisation has warned.

WNO, which receives National Portfolio Organisation funding from both ACE and the Arts Council of Wales, has had its ACE grant cut by 35% for the 2023-26 period, a drop of £2.2m.

It received the largest single funding allocation of ACW funding at £4.1m a year, but the company said this still represented a 10% cut against its application for standstill funding.

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An open letter to ACE penned by WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus said that the joint funding arrangement has ensured for 40 years that England and Wales have access to a major world class opera company at a fraction of the cost for each country.

"However, WNO will struggle to maintain its National Opera identity and standards on a budget that is not even sufficient for a small regional theatre, by comparison to other European countries," the letter states.

"The company will suffer from the inevitable reduction in opera titles and performances over the coming years. 

"It is comparable to asking a Premier League football team to play and win matches with six players instead of 11. 

"The integrity of the joint funding agreement has always been recognised as being a great strength and so the decision to cut at such a significant level without consultation appears disrespectful and reckless." 

Hanus said he hoped the letter could contribute to an ongoing review of opera and musical theatre in England by ACE.

An independent analysis of opera and musical theatre, commissioned by ACE in January 2023, was due to be published last month but has yet to be released.

ACE has said that once it is published, it will launch a sector-wide consultation prior to setting out its position on the artform.

Proper resourcing

"It is certainly a challenging time for opera companies to look at fresh ways of engagement, but to do this they need to be properly resourced," the letter, signed by nine other opera figures including Sir Bryn Terfel, Carlo Rizzi, Sir David Pountney, Geraint Talfan Davies and Dame Judith Weir, states.

"As a result of this financial cut, Welsh National Opera finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates through this difficult time and aims to keep all the unique elements and artistic ambition of a touring national and international company with world class performances while offering and delivering exceptional and impactful opera experiences in our communities. 

"If our generation fails to protect this treasure, and lets it disappear, it would be hard for future generations to find any justification for it."

An Arts Council England Spokesperson said: “We know opera is a vital part of the creative and cultural landscape, which is why we’re investing up to £130m in regular funding for 14 opera companies over the next three years. As one of the most funded art forms in our portfolio, our commitment to opera is resolute and backed by significant investment. 

"We also know that organisations are currently faced with a challenging operating environment. The Let's Create: Opera and Music Theatre Analysis, which will be shared in the beginning of March, will be an important tool in helping to further understand the challenges, opportunities, audience demand and how organisations, including publicly funded opera companies such as the Welsh National Opera, can devise a way forward.”