525

of 1,000 signatures

To /Annwyl Maggie Russell (Chair/Cadeirydd) & Dafydd Rhys (CE0/Prif Weithredwr)

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Ysgrifennwn atoch i ymateb i Benderfyniadau ac Adroddiad yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi. Nid apelio yn erbyn y penderfyniadau a wnaed yw diben y llythyr hwn, ond yn hytrach, fel eich partneriaid dawns yng Nghymru, dwyn sylw ar frys at effaith lleihau’r gefnogaeth trwy refeniw cyhoeddus i’r sector yn y tymor byr a hir, fel yr ydym ni’n ei weld. Rydym yn croesawu eich bwriad i gynnal adolygiad y byddwn ni’n ei gefnogi ac yn cydweithio arno gyda chi. Rydym yn eich annog i gynnal yr adolygiad hwn ar frys a chynnwys y sector cyfan yn y drafodaeth. Cyfrannwr bach, ond arwyddocaol, ydym ni at y celfyddydau yng Nghymru ac rydym yn teimlo difrifoldeb effaith canlyniad yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi ar ddawns a’r hyn y bydd yn ei olygu o Ebrill 2024 ymlaen i gynulleidfaoedd, cyfranogwyr, artistiaid dawns llawrydd a sefydliadau.

Pryderon i’w trafod:
Seilwaith: Bydd y penderfyniad i dorri sefydliadau dawns sy’n cael arian refeniw, a pheidio â rhoi cyllid am sawl blwyddyn i sefydliadau newydd sy’n canolbwyntio ar ddawns (heblaw sefydliadau aml-ddisgyblaethol), yn achosi niwed na ellir ei wrthdroi i seilwaith cenedlaethol sy’n mynd yn gynyddol fregus (gweler yr adroddiad dawns ac ymateb CCC). Sut allwn ni ymdrin â hyn?

Gweithlu: Effaith canlyniad yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi ar fywoliaeth a gyrfaoedd gweithwyr dawns proffesiynol cyflogedig a llawrydd sy’n cyfrannu at sector sydd eisoes wedi ei wanhau ac sy’n cyfyngu ar botensial a pha mor atyniadol yw i weithlu mwy amrywiol. Sut allwn ni ymdrin â hyn?

Mae’r datganiad bod ‘y sector dawns yn or-ddibynnol ar weithwyr llawrydd’ yn Adroddiad yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi yn peri pryder i ni (td18). Cyfeirir bod y cynnydd yn yr arian i Ballet Cymru, gan eu galluogi i gyflogi cwmni llawn-amser yn ymdrin â hyn, er bod y cynnydd yn cael ei groesawu ac yn un arwyddocaol, dim ond ar ganran bychan o ddawnswyr llawrydd y bydd y newid yn eu statws cyflogaeth yn effeithio yng Nghymru. Nid oes fawr o gydnabyddiaeth yn yr adroddiad y bydd penderfyniadau a wnaed yn cael effaith ar unwaith ar nifer sylweddol o weithlu a gweithgareddau’r sector.

Sut gallwn ni gynyddu’r rhagolygon dawns cyflogedig ar draws Cymru, gan hefyd gefnogi’r rhai sy’n dewis gyrfa portffolio llawrydd mewn fframweithiau sy’n sicrhau bod eu gyrfaoedd yn gynaliadwy a sefydlog?

Sut gallwn ni fel sector gyfrannu tuag at Gymru ffyniannus, adfywio cymunedol a dyfodol creadigol heb roi cynhaliaeth barhaus i weithlu medrus a thalentog, wedi eu meithrin yma a’r rhai sydd wedi eu denu i Gymru?

Capasiti: Mae ein rhwydwaith o artistiaid a sefydliadau dawns yn cyflawni agendâu Llywodraeth Cymru ac yn gyfrannwr sylweddol at egwyddorion Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol a Cymraeg 2050.

Sut gallwn ni, gyda llai o gapasiti, barhau i ddarparu perfformiadau a gweithgareddau cyfranogol o safon uchel, amrywiol a hygyrch sydd ar gael i bawb ar draws pob rhanbarth o Gymru?

Tegwch daearyddol: Rydym yn cydnabod ac yn cefnogi’r cynnydd cyffredinol yn y cyllid ar gyfer dawns fel sector, ond, mae hyn yn cuddio’r gwirionedd bod y nifer o sefydliadau dawns a ariennir a’r dosbarthiad ar draws Cymru wedi lleihau o saith i bedwar. Er bod gan ddau o’r sefydliadau yma gylch gorchwyl cenedlaethol, mae canolfan tri ohonynt yn y de, rydym yn bryderus iawn nad yw hyn yn cynnig cydraddoldeb o ran cyfleoedd i weithwyr proffesiynol, gweithwyr llawrydd, cynulleidfaoedd a chyfranogwyr ac y bydd yn effeithio ar y ffordd y gall dawns gael ei gyflwyno trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg mewn gwirionedd. Sut allwn ni ymdrin â hyn?

Ymgysylltu Cymunedol: Bydd gan gwmnïau cenedlaethol a phrosiect, her lawer mwy wrth gysylltu ac ymgysylltu â phobl ar draws Cymru a chyflawni eu cylch gorchwyl a ffocws cenedlaethol heb bartneriaid dawns cymunedol, yn neilltuol yng Nghanolbarth a Gogledd Cymru. Mae’r sefydliadau yma yn cynnal cysylltiadau cymunedol ac yn cysylltu gydag ymddiriedaeth sydd wedi ei lunio dros amser a thrwy ymgysylltu cyson nad yw’n bosibl bob amser i’r un graddau heb gyllid prosiect. Sut gallwn ni sicrhau dyfodol y cysylltwyr cymunedol rhanbarthol hanfodol yma?

Gwerth Diwylliannol: Mae i’r holl ffurfiau celfyddydol a chreadigol werth ynddynt eu hunain mewn bywyd diwylliannol. Os ydym am ailadeiladu ecoleg dawns bywiog i Gymru i’r dyfodol, mae ar ein cymunedau angen cyfleoedd cyson a hygyrch i gymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau dawns, mynediad at berfformiadau proffesiynol sy’n ysbrydoli, yn ogystal â mynediad at lwybrau hyfforddi yng Nghymru. Sut allwn ni lunio hyn?

Yr adolygiad o ddawns:

Rydym yn croesawu’r bwriad i adolygu dawns, ond, mae gennym bryderon anferth y bydd y pwyslais a nodir ar ddawns gymunedol (Td20 a 46) yn diddymu ecoleg croestoriadol Dawns yng Nghymru ac yn rhy gul o ran cwmpas a ffocws.

Rydym yn gofyn i’r adolygiad:

- gael ei gynnal ar frys ac o fewn amserlen benodol.
- flaenoriaethu mewnbwn gan bob agwedd o ddawns a’r rhai sy’n cymryd rhan yn llawrydd ac yn gyflogedig, dawnswyr, coreograffwyr, athrawon, hwyluswyr, sefydliadau dawns cymunedol, cwmnïau cenedlaethol a phrosiect, dawns ieuenctid, dawns ac iechyd, dawns ac anabledd, dawns mewn addysg, lleoliadau a phartneriaid cymunedol eraill.

- gynnwys gwybodaeth arbenigol o’r tu mewn i’r sector sy’n helpu i’w lywio, a bod gweithwyr llawrydd sy’n cyflwyno’r rhan fwyaf o ddawns ar draws Cymru yn rhan allweddol, gwerthfawr o’r broses o lunio penderfyniadau.

- gynnwys cyflwr y ddarpariaeth hyfforddiant dawns proffesiynol yng Nghymru a datblygiad hyn fel rhan o strategaeth yn y dyfodol.

- yn ystyried yr effaith y mae Covid, yr argyfwng costau byw a Brexit, i gyd wedi ei gael ar y sector dawns.

- yn craffu ar benderfyniadau a strategaethau cyllido a wnaed gan Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ar gyfer dawns dros y 15 mlynedd diwethaf. Er ein bod yn cydnabod bod staff Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru’n cynnwys pobl â chefndiroedd/gwybodaeth am ddawns, rydym yn cynnig adolygiad o’r Cyngor, o ran cynrychiolaeth i ffurfiau celfyddydol; heb unrhyw arbenigwr dawns amlwg ar lefel y Cyngor rydym yn bryderus bod diffyg digon o wybodaeth a chydraddoldeb i eiriol dros ddawns ar y lefel uchaf hon o Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru.

- yn hollol dryloyw ac yn cynnig mynediad at ymchwil, cynlluniau a mapio CCC, ochr yn ochr â’r weledigaeth a’r strategaeth a ddefnyddiwyd i fod yn sail i’r penderfyniadau a gymerwyd gan y tîm Adolygiad Buddsoddi a gweddill y Sector Creadigol ar ôl yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi.

Yn ychwanegol at yr adolygiad, rydym hefyd yn gofyn, o ystyried y bygythiad ar unwaith i’r sefydliadau a’r gweithwyr llawrydd y mae’n effeithio arnynt, y bydd adroddiad llawn o ba atebion brys o ran cefnogaeth sy’n cael eu trefnu i’r sefydliadau hynny nad oedd yn llwyddiannus ac yn arbennig i’r rhai fydd yn colli cyllid refeniw, yn cael ei gyfleu ar frys.
Bydd effaith y penderfyniadau Adolygiad Buddsoddi yn cael effaith dwys o ddistrywiol a pharhaus ar Ddawns yng Nghymru, a byddwn ni i gyd yn dlotach o’r herwydd. Ond, er gwaethaf natur fregus y sector a’r dyfodol simsan i artistiaid dawns, rydym am weithio gyda chi, Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru, i sicrhau na fydd cyfleoedd yn diflannu ac i lunio dyfodol gyda’n gilydd sy’n sicrhau bod pobl Cymru, ble bynnag y maent, yn cael y cyfleoedd i brofi’r profiadau sy’n newid bywydau y mae dawns, fe wyddom, yn eu cynnig.

Credwn, trwy weithio gyda’n gilydd, y gallwn ni ddod o hyd i atebion i ailadeiladu'r hyn oedd yn ffurf, sin a sector celfyddydol dawns Cymreig cyffrous trwy Gymru.
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Dear Maggie Russell (Chair) and Dafydd Rhys (CE0),

We write to you in response to the Investment Review (IR) decisions and report. The purpose of this letter is not to appeal the decisions made, but rather as your partners of dance in Wales, bring urgent attention to the impact, as we see it, of reducing public revenue support for the sector in the immediate and long-term. We welcome your intention to undertake a review which we will support and work with you together on. We urge you to undertake this review urgently and include the whole sector in discussion. We are a small, yet significant contributor to the arts in Wales and feel the gravity of the Investment Review outcome on dance and what this will mean from April 2024 for audiences, participants, freelance dance artists and organisations.

Concerns for discussion:
Infrastructure: The decision to cut current revenue funded dance organisations, and not grant multi-year funding to new dance focussed organisations (apart from multi-disciplinary organisations), will cause irreversible damage to a progressively fragile national infrastructure (please ref to Wales Freelance Taskforce dance report from 2020 and ACW’s response). How do we address this?

Workforce: The consequence of the IR outcome on livelihoods and careers of salaried and freelance dance professionals contributing to a sector already depleted and which limits the potential and attractiveness for a more diverse workforce. How do we address this?

We are concerned by the IR report statement that ‘the dance sector is overly reliant on freelancers’ (P18). Ballet Cymru’s uplift, enabling them to employ a full-time company, is cited as addressing this, while the uplift is welcome and significant, the change in employment status will affect only a small percentage of freelance dancers in Wales. There is little recognition within the report that decisions taken will have an immediate impact on a significant number of the sector’s workforce and activities.

How do we grow salaried dance prospects across Wales, whilst supporting those who choose freelance portfolio careers within frameworks that ensure their careers are sustainable and stable?

How can we as a sector contribute towards a prosperous Wales, community regeneration and creative futures without the continuous feeding of a skilled and talented workforce, both homegrown and attracted into Wales?

Capacity: Our network of dance artists and organisations deliver on Welsh Government agendas and are a significant contributor to the principles of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act & Cymraeg 2050. How, with a reduced capacity, do we continue to deliver high quality, diverse and accessible performance and participatory activity that is available to all across all regions of Wales?

Geographical equity: We recognise and support the overall increase in funding for dance as a sector, however, this belies the truth that the number of funded dance organisations and the spread across Wales has reduced from seven to four. Although two of these organisations have national remits, three are based in the south, we are extremely concerned that this does not offer parity of opportunities for professionals, freelancers, audiences, and participants and will impact how dance can be truly delivered through the Welsh language. How do we address this?

Community Engagement: National and project companies will have a much greater challenge to connect and engage with people across Wales and achieve their national remit and focus without community dance partners, especially in Mid and North Wales. These organisations hold community relationships and connect with trust that is built over time and through consistent engagement that is not always possible to the same degree with project funding. How do we ensure the future of these vital regional community connectors?

Cultural Value: All arts and creative forms hold intrinsic value in cultural life. If we are to rebuild a vibrant dance ecology for Wales into the future, our communities require regular and accessible opportunities to take part in dance activities, access to inspirational professional performance, as well as access to training pathways in Wales. How do we build this?

The review of dance:
We welcome the proposal for a review of dance, however, we have huge concerns that the stated focus on community dance (P20 & 46) will negate the intersecting ecology of Dance in Wales and be too narrow in scope and focus.

We request that the review:

- is undertaken urgently and within a specified timeframe.

- prioritises input from all aspects of dance and those involved such as freelance and salaried positions, dancers, choreographers, teachers, facilitators, community dance organisations, national and project companies, youth dance, dance and health, dance and disability, dance in education, venues and other community partners.

- includes expert knowledge from within the sector who help steer it, and that freelancers who deliver the majority of dance across Wales are a key and valued part of the decision making.

- includes the state of professional dance training provision in Wales and the development of this as part of a future strategy.

- considers the impact that Covid, the cost of living crisis and Brexit have all had on the dance sector.

- scrutinises funding decisions and strategies taken by the Arts Council of Wales for dance over the last 15 years. While we recognise Arts Council of Wales staff include people with dance backgrounds/knowledge, we propose a review of the Council, in terms of representation of art form; with no apparent dance specialist at Council level we are concerned there is a lack of sufficient knowledge and equality to advocate for dance at this most senior level at ACW.

- is fully transparent and offers access to ACW research, plans and mapping, alongside the vision and strategy that were used to inform the decisions taken by the IR team for dance and the rest of the Creative Sector post IR.

In addition to the review, we also request that given the immediate threat to the organisations and impacted freelancers, a full account of what urgent solutions for support are being put in place for those organisations which were not successful and especially to those who will lose revenue funding, shall be communicated as a matter of urgency.

The impact of IR decisions will have a devastatingly profound and long-lasting impact on Dance in Wales, and we will all be the poorer for them. However, despite the vulnerability of the sector and the precarious future for dance artists, we want to work together with you, Arts Council of Wales, to ensure that opportunities do not disappear and to forge a future together that ensures the people of Wales, wherever they are, get the opportunities to experience the life changing experiences that we know, dance can offer.

We believe by working together we will be able to find solutions to rebuild what was an exciting Wales wide, Welsh dance art-form, scene and sector.

Open letter text


Edrychwn ymlaen at dderbyn eich ateb.

We look forward to your reply.




Additional Comments by signatories

I'm a trustee of a dance organisation in. Wales. I'm a Welsh citizen with children being brought up in Wales and I'm deeply concerned about the country they will be raised in and the impact of the decisions on all children in Wales.
With a baby on the way and a lot of my friends having children I feel like taking something this important off of our children in such a small area will have a big impact on both the babies and parents. This classes give parents a chance to get together and give the baby’s a chance to bond and be stimulated.
Freelancers are the backbone of the dance industry - they make such a huge contribution to society and their voice MUST be heard.
It's important to the community around me
Provided a wonderful class for me and my daughter
As a curator working on cultivating the dance ecology from an insitutional/venue perspective - I support the call from the dance community for a tangible action plan on how to support the growth of the sector.
We don’t have many classes in the area
Mental health of mothers
The children deserve to be able to participate in something they love. They can not do this if there is no where for them to go.
As someone who is considering leaving full-time employed status some time in the next couple of years to pursue a career as a freelance dance artist, I struggle to see a future for myself as a freelance dance artist in Wales, especially if the dance sector has stated their explicit intention to be “less reliant on freelancers”. Like several of my predecessors at National Dance Company Wales who have left the company and subsequently left Wales, I will have to leave Wales to continue my freelance portfolio career and contribute to dance ecologies elsewhere in order to sustain my career and flourish artistically. It saddens me to realise this after embracing Wales as my home for the last four years and falling in love with the land, the language and the people.
As a dancer dance teacher choreographer I'm interested in improved support to dance sector in Wales.
We all need art
I would like to work in the sector but currently is nearly impossible to do so.
Dance is very important for our health firstly along with the social aspect
I feel it is essential to provide grants for Arts in Wales. When I was young we had many grants. We need the arts so we can be exspesive, and deliver happy times in such difficult times.
Impelo is doing great work, words don't express the impact they have had on the community as a whole. As I have been lucky enough to be involved in witnessing the range of people they touch. Working with impelo has restored my faith in dance organisations after being freelance for 18 years. They have given me a reason to stay in mid Wales. Them not gaining continual funding came to me as a big shock. As there is nothing else in mid Wales offering what they do. I have had friends from big cities come and bring their kids to classes at impelo and they have been truly impressed at the level of classes offered in such a rural place. Doing a much better job than a lot of those in big cities. Impelo is a collective that truly has their participants and dance artists at heart. I believe it will negatively impact dance and community here if impelo has to restructure. As I can't understand why they are not deserving of the continual funding from the arts council?
For sml community groups and people who are isolated its lifeline to the outside world aswell as working with hundreds of young people who might not have this opportunity going forward
Support the arts
We need to recognise the benefits of the arts in all it's forms on the wellbeing of our communities and cultural heritage.
Dance helps to improve my life.
I am a dancer
Because this is the wrong choice, fundamentally against the aims of ACW
People can express and explore themselves and feel free, either watching or performing, to take this away would be such a shame.
Institutions such as Impelo, Wyeside and Theatr Brycheiniog have been cornerstones in my community and significant in my personal development growing up in rural Wales. The fact that they are now under threat having lost their funding is an absolute travesty and must be rectified immediately.
Self employed and the creative sector go hand in hand. Multi disciplinary freelancers are what makes the Dance sector so creative and engaging. Funding is urgently needed to bring back dance to the forefront of health and the creative sector
I am not a professional dancer but I love dance and being able to attend workshops at my local dance centre (Impelo in Llandrindod) has been an excellent way to connect with my local community and support my physical and mental wellbeing. I know many local people feel the same and we are concerned that the lack of funding will mean the loss of a valuable part of our small community. With so few opportunities and things to do in the area, especially for young people, I feel that this could have a really devastating impact. I hope that you will take these factors into account during your review.
Dance is important for many people including the vulnerable adult I care for. The teachers should be protected as well.
I’m a music therapist and recognise the importance of arts in health.
Because i am a strugling mid wales freelance dance artist that relys on organisations like impelo for work.
I work within and across various areas of the dance sector.This signature represents my personal backing of this letter's content.
My children are desperate to start dance classes and we have looked at Impelo who are fully booked!! The demand is there.
Arts is a vital part to everyone. Powys needs it more than anybody because it's so rural can be a lonely place, especially if things are not offered for people to do.
Adult tap class and other dance workshops. It’s difficult enough finding advanced classes for adults, let alone in rural counties. I’d have to travel 50+ miles to England or Cardiff to find another class.
Movement and physical expression is a fundamental part of healing trauma and improving physical and emotional well-being. Artists work hard for little money. They deserve respect and value. Dr Debbie Hartwell - Clinical Psychologist
Investment in the arts is crucial to enriching society
Affects mine, my staff and freelancers livelihoods, the stability of the sector long term and the access to vibrant, skilled arts activity for our communities.
As a dance freelancer I am concerned that important projects I have been part of won't be able to take place. Dance in the community is already rare enough, and in a poverty crisis families will not be able to put dance into their priority list. without funding into dance organisations, community projects won't happen and the benefits and joy of dance will no longer be accessible to those people.
Dance in arts must not be under valued.
I take my daughter to the dance class & the team are amazing there & don’t want it to stop. Brilliant for the community.
Dance is very important to me both to take part in and to watch, especially live. So many people love dancing and would really miss not being able to participate in whatever way they can.
Arts are good for our mental health and well being.
I was introduced to dance in Wales at a latter stage of my life as recommended by the hospital consultants. Dance changed my life and helped me not just physically but mentally as well. I have other friends that say dance saved their lives due to depression after losing their partners. Without the existence of community dance organisations this will have a massive detrimental impact on people like me and many more.
Big fish little fish is the best toddler group I have ever been to in 22 years of being a parent, bringing my children up all over the country. Gemma is amazing and it would be a tragic loss to llandrindod if this group were to stop as there's so little to do here.
This venue is important for people from many walks of life
Reduced opportunities across Wales, and conversation needing across the entire sector, with the sector, to change the sector.
This is important because all arts funding needs to be on the increase as the social, economic and educational benefits are unparalleled!
It's important self employed artists can make their living!
My children currently attend breakout, a weekly class at Impelo in Llandrindod Wells, they have been attending classes since they we very little. The quality of the teaching is excellent and along with shows and other events it has really broadened their experience and built confidence. It would be a huge loss to our community to lose a resource such as this. Opportunities locally are limited and often not to a great standard, however, impel is an exception to this.
We have to dance and move artfully and I cannot believe I found this amazing place for my two tiny children. To think it might go is criminal!
The dance centre provides vital resources for the community
This is the field I have worked in and for, for most of my life. It is of great importance to me and to the next generation. Dance in Wales and culture generally in Mid Wales, where I live, is being wiped out!
Taking a waltz down the emergence of the forging of culture and tradition of countless dance styles in human society, it is evident the art form of dance takes its place in society. Through dance, a society is known, and many become acquainted with the people through it, ultimately making it a culture.
Dance provides many social and cultural improvements in the community and surrounding areas for children, teenagers and adults. They expand social and cultural interaction, and provide an overall community feeling of well-being and togetherness. Dance can inspire change in society because it has the power to foster social cohesion, convey messages, and challenge societal structures. By combining music and drama, dance performances can both celebrate and subvert rural societal structures, allowing communities to combat local social problems. Therefore, dance can inspire change in society by promoting unity, conveying messages, and challenging existing structures.
It was with dismay that I read of the outcome of ACW Investment Review and the impact this would have on an already fragile dance sector. This sector is multi-faceted, it is great than the sum of its parts and as such should be considered as a whole entity and not its individual constituent parts. I have worked in the sector in Wales for over 40 years and it seems our sustainable stable development is not much further forward especially since the last Review of Dance in 2005 by the then Culture Committee. Some of the recommendations made then have been realised but not to the extent the sector hoped for. If we are to truly strengthen and grow then the questions and proposals set out in this letter need to be taken seriously and acted upon, so that the significant contribution dance makes to the cultural life of the people of Wales can be recognised and valued.
1)The consistent provision of professional dance opportunities in all parts of Wales for young dancers, ensuring a future generation of professionals. 2)That funding for Community and health opportunities using professionally led teachers and dance organisations be supported and sustained. 3)Professional Development and Education opportunities in Dance be more in evidence for a wider diversity of the Welsh community.
Dance has such an important role to play in so many areas across so much of society. Apart from which, for those who don't or can't, it's so much fun to watch when it's done properly.
All creative arts and means of expression have been chipped away at and marginalised. It’s a fundamental way of learning and of coming together. I’m 76 years old; although I’ve always lived dance, I’ve only participated for the past 10 yrs, and I just love it. I’m a ceramicist and public artist.
I gave 16 years of my professional dance career to Wales. I continuously strived for positive change and eventually had to exit, exhausted and depleted.
This has been my life working on, teaching, producing work, performing and now serving the art form where I can. The steps of this IR implemented by the ACW are taking the dance world in Wales backwards, which was so vibrant a few years ago, after many years of progress, most of which I have witnessed. In Wales Freelancers are extremely important and very creative in their ways of working. There are only a couple of revenue funded dance companies in Wales (NDCW & Ballet Cymru), aside from these, almost all of us are freelance, aside from a handful of dance enablers at the head of a maybe 4 community dance organisations. It cannot be otherwise in Wales to. That in itself shows the the lack of understanding at a senior level in the ACW.
Im a Dancer and dance teacher and run my own Academy, with Students who attend Rubicon Dance in Cardiff
I have been working for Eleni Company for a few 5 years and the work they do is so appreciated as a employeee and the amazing impute they put on the community/ showing diversity on their approach and dedication to maintain high standard of professionalism.
Too many cuts are being made to The Arts in Powys
I love the community built in my town through dance events and want to continue that
Dance and the support of new dance companies and dance organisations is vital to not just enrich the Welsh cultural landscape, but to also bring communities together.
Motion control dance
To make such drastic cuts to an already fragile sector without a strategy from ACW being in place is at best short-sighted and at worst, irresponsible. We used to have a vibrant dance sector in Wales - yes, it has always had its challenges snd issues, but it’s easy to see the milestone ACW decisions that have contributed to the demise of dance across Wales - this IR is another nail in the coffin; we will be able to look back in 10 years and pinpoint this moment as being one of destruction.
Edrych ymlaen at gydweithio â’r Cyngor Celfyddydau i ddatblygu’r sector Dawns yng Nghymru.
Dance has been left in a very vulnerable position and we urgently want to join together to address the issues facing dance. We look forward to working together with the Arts Council, colleagues in Dance, across the wider performing arts and cultural sectors and beyond.
Art is crucial for all!
I live in Mid Wales where access to facilities is limited due to the sparseness of the population. I am very concerned with the direction that ACW has gone in, which seems to have centralised dance around south Wales but with less resources. Which runs the risk of not having finer points of the needs of dance in rural areas met. Due to not understanding what life is like here, and lip service being paid to the rural areas for funding purposes, because of the decreased resources available. I am also worried that all the work will be given to artists around the hubs down south who will then travel up here, leaving me with the choice of either not working or having to relocate either down south or out of Wales to find work.
Arts are essential to mental well being
Having been involved in the dance sector in Wales for over 30 years I feel that it has never been in such a precarious position and this worries and saddens me.
Best of luck
Good Luck!
Movement is essential to many people's wellbeing. Personally I am devastated at the cut to Impelo's funding in particular as it has offered me as an adult, movement classes/sessions that would otherwise be unavailable to me. They gave my 11 year old son a physical creative outlet which has led to him attending London Contemporary Dance School. I am hoping that there will be opportunities for him to return to Wales after his Dance Degree to find work. With these cuts it is looking more likely that he will have to find work outside of Wales. As a photographer too, I have enjoyed being able to work with several dance companies and dancers in Wales. I am anxious that the invaluable work and opportunities these organisations offer to our communities here in Wales continue.
Dance has always had a strong presence in Wales. When I was growing up it was everywhere and felt accessible. I don’t think that’s still the case
I am a freelance artist and run a community based creative organisation. I feel the IR decision will impact myself as an artist and the dance projects we facilitate at Ardour Academy.
My current research centres around the positive impact of dance on health & well-being throughout the life-course trajectory. As a dance practitioner, for all ages, and a lecturer in Early Years Education, I promote physical activity, which includes dance, as an important aspects of a person’s healthy lifestyle choices.
As a freelance dancer myself, this subject matter greatly impacts my livelihood.
Gwyn Emberton Dance is where I started at 17 and made me find my career path and built my CV to achieve my place at drama school
I am a dancer from wales
All art sectors, at every level, require support to flourish. I appreciated the grassroots support I received at beginning of my career. I would encourage the continued support of the broad dance community in Wales.
Dance has so many health benefits and directly aligns with the Future Generations Act. We must keep this resource accessible across the nation, consistency is vital. Defunding venues in Mid Wales, has made this difficult. Young Dancers - where are they going to gain experience if not in regional company's?
After attending dance workshops and being involved with local shows for many years my youngest son, now 20, went on to become a world class break dancer. He was considered a favourite by his UK peers to represent the UK in the 2024 Olympics. When he was accepted into the London School of Contemporary Dance he decided on that path over the Olympics as he loves being more creative. This attitude was instilled in him by his tutors at Impelo Dance, Wales. My oldest son also learned the importance of creative imagination at Impelo Dance and Mid Powys Youth Theatre. He now applies those life lessons while working towards his Earth Sciences Masters degree at Cambridge University. Both our boys benefited greatly from being part of the arts community here in Llandrindod Wells. I shudder to think how many young people will now miss out on such inspirational instruction because of the recent funding cuts to dance here and the arts in general. I’m extremely unhappy about how this is all being managed and would like to know more about how these decisions are made.
These arts companies immeasurably enrich our lives in Wales
As a both employed and self employed member of the dance work force. Its imperative that voices from across the sector are included. The work we are doing effects so many lives and strengthens the economy. Making cuts is short sighted and failing future generations who's lives can be shaped, strengthened and bettered by the transformative power of dance.
This is heartbreaking loss for the dance community. On a personal level, this loss of income means I cannot go through with buying a house in my hometown. It also pushes me towards leaving rural Wales for either a city, like Cardiff, or England - where I would not be able to utilise my Welsh language skills. This is devastating for myself, but I know I'm not the only one... and if everyone does the same, where does that leave dance in Wales? Particularly rural Wales where our dance audience does not necessarily access dance through the 'traditional' routes. This terrifies me, as we are so disconnected already. On a wider level, my heart breaks for the participants... seeing what dance can do for people is the most rewarding part of our job as dance practitioners - I cannot bear to think that this joy could be cut completely from their lives, particularly those who are most vulnerable. During the pandemic, we were told our services were a 'lifeline' to so many participants. We must not let that lifeline be cut.
This is about our careers and growing the dance sector in wales across all types of employment status. Freelance work in the arts is standard practice and should not be seen as a negative form of employment. It allows artists to work across diverse sectors within the arts. Also, increasing opportunities to work in dance is culturally significant for all communities in wales as there is extensive evidence to support its benefit for diverse populations. Dance is continuously underfunded and unrecognised in wales (particularly in the North and mid wales) and a change in the landscape is greatly needed.
The infrastructure that enables dance in Wales has been steadily eroded since I moved to Wales in 2006. As a freelancer it is increasingly challenging to make work when the connections between participants, audiences, venues and creatives are disappearing. Urgent strategic support is needed
These organisations are critically valuable to Powys, keeping us in touch with the Arts in an otherwise predominantly rural area.
I am a dancer practitioner, choreographer and producer and DANCE is a fundamental part of the creative process of making our lives better and healthier.
Help freelance dance artists.
I moved to Cardiff in 2008 to become a part of the vibrant dance scene, over the years creating and performing across Wales I've witnessed the impact dance has on audiences, young and old alike. I've also seen and learnt about Welsh heritage including dance, song and stories through this art form and feel if dance is not supported we will be losing a crucial part of history. In order to be successful as a freelancer within dance I've had to seek work elsewhere over the last 7 years and I've seen the dance scene be less and less supported by funding within Wales. I really hope this can change and want to put my whole support behind this letter to encourage dialogue and positive change.
The declining state of funding for Dance in Wales is having a large impact on not only the young and emerging artists coming through and wanting to work in Wales, but also the mid career and older artists who have been working in Wales for many years. The vast majority of Wales based Dancers are freelance, having to jump from job to job and provide many services for multiple organisations. The loss of various funding streams will have a deeper impact.
It is important to me for all of the reasons so articulately laid out in this letter. As someone from rural Powys I am deeply concerned about the damage to the creative ecology in the area and across Wales. We will lose artists and we will remove the infrastructure to support the next generations of artists to develop. We have a distinct voice here in mid Wales and one that could so easily be lost. We have no arts Officer here any longer and no-one to advocate for us. I am concerned that the loss to Powys wasn't even mentioned in the narrative of the report even though we took such a large hit per head. Powys has a reputation for producing some of the best creative professionals coming out of Wales today, that is despite the rural isolation and lack of provision and thanks to the infrastructure and brilliant artists and creative leaders we do have who work tirelessly - this is slowly and perhaps inadvertently being chipped away. I work with dance and with young people in a dance setting in rural Powys. Companies like Impelo offer something different to that which can be found in dance schools. It allows young people to explore their creativity, build resilience and blossom in confidence. It offers a place where young people are allowed to make mistakes, are not concerned with grades or competition..but may well get a taste for creativity and performance and to explore their artistic selves. They will gain confidence, set themselves new expectations and develop a bigger, bolder vision for their future selves. If we want a more equal future for all people across Wales we must protect the ecology across the country. I am fearful that Mid Powys and dance will get lost in the mist. I know you have hard choices to make but I hope our voices may be heard and that we can support you in making those choices for the benefit of all.
Dance is such an important art form, it has teh potential to make huge contributions to Wales culturally, socially and economically. It has long been underfunded and lacked recognition a proper strategic review backed by investment is needed.
I’m doing ok, right at this moment, I’m concerned it could end at any minute, The ecology of dance , dance making, events, training, opportunities to get involved, social and health benefits, the art of it .. the connections and variety of places, ways to get involved is threadbare, it’s been up hill all the way, I believe in dance - in a way dance filters out across the rest of the arts and life, but it also needs its own attention, place, consideration and support, the graft of the people who are passionate about this art form is immense, we are used to standing up for this art form, we are not often understood, and when physicality happens in theatre, opera…strictly come dancing and people go wow, there is no realisation of the study and research that has made that happen, we have evidence that proves what dance is capable of and its impact on people, the form has forever been about youth but as we have learnt this art form needs support to mature, come into its own be recognised as an essential. If we’re talking about access to the arts , dance, movement and physicality offers another language, something that personally I know has been of enormous help, given the world likes numbers and words and spreadsheet, a simple focus on “community dance” is not going to cut it, in a short time, the landscape will be parched and un nourished, I don’t mind being a social worker/artist , but this is only possible is sustenance is available , continued research and development of the art form will be necessary
I recently worked with Impelo on a project to support recovering addicts. I have never worked with such a supportive partner, they are well organised, respectful, considerate and creative. They also provide a unique range of dance opportunities to the county that reflect the needs and interests of the people who live here. The high quality, care, creativity of their work is vital to Powys.
The reduction in support for the arts is reducing opportunities for so many people and communities. It's urgent that the tide is turned.
My son is in his last year of training to become a professional dancer.
Dance does so much for so many people, dance is a wonderfully positive art form, mentally and physically.
Enjoy the creative arts, do not want them dimished. Dislike funding always going to established national edtablishments. Grass roots and small dance companies require and need support. About time thus was listened to.
As a freelance designer and artist - mostly working as a costume designer for dance - the ever decreasing opportunity for freelancers, particularly outside of Cardiff, has serious implications on individual practitioners and the arts in Wales in general. Dance is an incredibly important and valuable art form that should be encouraged at all opportunity! There are incredible dance artists and practitioners working across Wales and we need to be supported by adequate funding.
Art is always important It feeds the soul
All forms of Art are important to the economy of this country and the well-being of it’s citizens.
I have participated and worked in the Dance sector in Powys for 25 years, all but a few of those with Footloose, Powys Dance and currently Impelo. It has been and continues to be an essential part of me and my life.
As a young dancer growing up in Wales there were opportunities for me to gain experience before becoming a professional I see those organisations disappearing and that concerns me for the generations that are starting out today.
As a freelance community and education dance practitioner / artist based in North Wales there is a significant lack of professional work opportunities provided by funded organisations and or funding opportunities to apply for. The expectation of working for little to no financial recompense when project managing and delivering in a freelance capacity is not financially sustainable so much so that my engagement in the dance sector has diminished from working in a full time capacity to having to find, retrain and work in completely different fields outside of dance and the arts sector. This is happening tenfold and the sector is loosing experienced and passionate individuals like myself. There is so much more to say but I fear no one cares as when I have personally brought things to ACW’s attention I have been told to shut up and stop talking. I praise all those that are fighting for change, I really admire them. I currently feel defeated with no fight left because what’s the point as my experiences tell me that no one values or listens to our input, but yet there are those who aren’t ready to give up and I truly applaud them and hope they are not fighting a loosing battle!!
My job is important
It effects my work and development as an artist
A healthy nation is a nation that dances. I have worked in the field of dance for the past 35 years, 30 of those have been in Wales. I have always believed in the power of dance to help transform our society. I am concerned for the depletion of knowledge, experience and skill in the dance sector in Wales. People are tired, and they need to be heard. I would like to see a thriving dance sector who can contribute to making the arts flourish in Wales.
We deliver sessions to individuals with additional needs and disabilities and have worked with dance companies on projects which have benifited our clients in multiple ways
The local freelance dance community is a huge untapped potential. With sophisticated dialogue it should be possible to find a constructive way forward to support the grassroots dance ecology here in Wales.
I not only run my own business in Mid-Wales but I am a freelance dance practitioner and this decision directly impacts me.
I am a dance leader who has worked in the communiy dance sector for many years and have seen the impact it has on young dance, trainees, graduates and dance tutors to be able to have a strong dance community arround them.
The current governmental support and infra-strutcure for dance in Wales needs to be looked at in detail urgently.
This letter is very important for me. I am a Ukrainian refugee making North Wales my home. One of reason why I relocated to the UK it is clearly understanding impossibility of developing my career, as a dancer in Ukraine, in the war county. I live now here and I love North Wales, but it is really hard to find the job for me, as a person, which is in the dance area all my life. Thank you very much for your attention. Kseniia Fedorovykh
from our point of view, dance is a key part of outdoor arts and nurturing that field impacts on what our audiences can engage with
I’m a freelance dance practitioner living in Powys and the loss of funding for Impelo will have a profound impact on myself and the other dance practitioners, as well as the local people of all ages who attend the classes offered. Many of the older participants come to the classes not only for exercise but for friendship and social interaction. Where are they supposed to go now?
We are a small community where there is not a lot for young people to do so pulling out the funding is like pulling out a life line for young people
This is a wonderful resource In powys that won't survive without funding
We need activities for our young people especially. Arts are so important to all ages for mental health - getting out, gaining confidence, exercise in this case. Please please don't pull what little joy people have. The families of the children who partake at impelo also do so much and find joy in helping out, visiting for lessons etc.
This service really helped me when i had my baby girl. Being able to take her to classes every week really lightened the load of newborn life and it was the highlight of my week. It would be such a shame if this service was taken away for all the mothers who feel the same as me.
Both my daughter's were dancing from age of three, so important a pastime that could become a career.
Its important for mothers to have somewhere to go with their babies and meet other mums and make a support network so good dor your mental health and wellbeing .

8 Jan 2024
Response from Arts Council of Wales

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Alys Davies
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Llythyr Agored i Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ynghylch yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi a’i effaith ar y sector Dawns / Open Letter to Arts Council of Wales regarding the Investment Review and its impact on the dance sector

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Llythyr Agored i Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ynghylch yr Adolygiad Buddsoddi a’i effaith ar y sector Dawns / Open Letter to Arts Council of Wales regarding the Investment Review and its impact on the dance sector

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