- Funding reduction threatens closure.
- ACW denies £30 million grants.
- Request for interim funding.
National Theatre Wales has expressed concern that it may close due to a decision to reduce its funding.
Last week, the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) announced that the theatre would not be eligible for nearly £30 million in grants.
The theatre has now informed the ACW that National Theatre Wales will close within six months.
It has requested “interim” funding while an evaluation of English-language theatre is conducted. The ACW expressed delight at meeting the theatre.
The ACW stated that it received a record number of multi-year funding applications and made “difficult decisions” when announcing nearly £30 million in grants last week.
In addition, those who are not among the 81 organizations receiving funding will be able to submit for alternative funding.
“Invest in your future with Webull UK – get started with free shares.”
Its grant funding originates from the Welsh government and the National Lottery and is expanding across the majority of creative art disciplines.
The ACW stated in the published investment evaluation that “difficult decisions” had been made.
Its chairman, Dafydd Rees, stated that National Theatre Wales’ funding request “had not persuaded.”
National Theatre Wales, situated in Cardiff, was founded in 2008 and has received funding from the Arts Council ever since. It was reported that an additional £11 million had been invested in Welsh theatre as a result.
In that period, it claimed to have reached over 330 thousand people in person and over eight million people online or on television.
In a letter to the ACW, National Theatre Wales said it would appeal against the decision and had urged for “an interim position” to be looked at.
It warned that if the funding decision was upheld, Wales would lose National Theatre Wales within six months. It cannot be readily or affordably replaced if lost.”
In addition, the letter stated, “We seek constructive dialogue with you and your colleagues at the earliest opportunity to explore the possibility of an interim position for National Theatre Wales while the review is conducted.”
It was also one of Wales’ major theatre enterprises, employing 645 people in 2017.
The ACW confirmed receipt of the theater’s letter and expressed willingness to meet with representatives to discuss the matter.
It stated that it would not comment on its decision.
“This is to protect the integrity of the appeals process and all parties involved,” explained a spokesperson.
The Welsh government said, “The Arts Council of Wales reviews investments under independent financing.
“We are pleased that the first review following the pandemic has been completed, and we look forward to seeing how the arts council’s decisions will support and benefit the communities of Wales.”
