The Welsh Assembly Culture Committee has accepted the recommendations
presented to them by culture minister Alun Pugh for the review of the
Arts Council of Wales required by the amendment
passed by the full Assembly. The full text of the recommendatiosn reads:
1. Introduction
The Welsh Assembly Government is complying fully with the terms of
the opposition amendment that was the subject of a vote by the Assembly
on 1st February 2006. The funding of the 6 national arts organisations
is now a matter for the Arts Council of Wales.
The amendment instructs the Welsh Assembly Government to immediately
carry out a public review of the role of the Arts Council of Wales.
It also refers to a consultation on the national arts organisations.
There is broad agreement that these two elements should be brought
together into one review.
2. Draft Terms of Reference for the review are set out below:
To produce a final report before December 2006, together with relevant
evidence, designed to inform Assembly Government decisions on the
future role of the Arts Council of Wales (ACW), and the role and funding
of the national arts organisations.
The Review will advise the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and
Sport as regards:
a) The existing role of ACW in relation to : its funding of the
arts, including the national arts organisations ; the development
of the arts in Wales ; the development of access and inclusion in
the arts, and tackling social linequalities.
b) The effectiveness of ACW in : developing and managing its revenue
client portfolio ; improving access to the arts and excellence in
the arts ; delivering services nationally and locally.
c) The funding of the arts in an international context : levels
of arts funding ; funding mechanisms.
The report will set out conclusions and make recommendations.
3. Membership and Method of Working
I propose that the review panel consists of five members. They will
be appointed by the Government, and I will discuss possible names
with Committee members before finalising the membership.
The review panel will need to :
- review and analyse the evidence base to ensure a sound basis for
the development of policy recommendations;
- engage with a broad range of individuals and groups to explore
a range of views on the role of ACW, and possible future approaches
to the development of the arts;
- make policy recommendations to Government based on sound evidence
and public consultation.
4. Panel members will need to possess the ability to take a broad
overview of this area of public policy, including current developments
in Wales, the rest of the UK and abroad. Members will also need to
possess knowledge of the arts, and detailed understanding of government
and the public sector. It will be important to ensure a balance of
gender, ethnicity and geographical spread on the panel.
5. The Panel should engage directly in the public aspects
of the review, i.e. engage with a wide range of arts practitioners
and others in the sector, and also conduct public discussion and thus
engage with a wider range of views and opinions.
6. The Panel should demonstrate an engagement and understanding of
the views of people and communities – an important element
of the requirement for a "public review".
