Eleanor Burnham Demands Immediate Action for Arts

1.07.00pm GMT Wed 6th Dec 2006

Eleanor Burnham AM, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, will today be demanding action and not words from the Welsh Assembly Government in the Plenary debate on the recent Welsh Arts Review.

Ms Burnham will be moving four amendments for the Welsh Liberal Democrats, which will demand the government produce action plans in response to the recommendations of the report, specifically ensuring that plans to develop strategic partnerships between local authorities and the Arts council begin immediately and are progress in the coming months.

One of the key recommendations of the review, reflecting Ms Burnham's ongoing stance, is that local authorities should play a greater role in strategic development in partnership with the Arts Council for Wales. This would allow for more specifically tailored arts locally, depending on the requirements and needs of communities throughout Wales.

Ms Burnham said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome the recommendations of the Stephens Review, and I am hopeful that the report will bear fruit in bringing a wealth of different arts closer to the public on their terms.

"Our amendments are designed to ensure the government responds positively to the report.

"The plans for close working partnerships between local authorities and the Arts Council, who will then advise the government on the needs of art throughout Wales, mean that the availability of a wide range of arts will be directed by the people, rather than dictated by the government.

"Our amendments go further than any other party in securing the next steps from the government that will make the report a reality. I am extremely hopeful that this review and our support for it could redefine the future of Welsh arts for the better."

Notes

Eleanor Burnham will be moving the following amendments on behalf of the Welsh Liberal democrats in Plenary today:

Amendment 4 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

"Welcomes the re-affirmation of the 'arm's length' principle for the strategic management of the Arts in Wales."

Amendment 5 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

"Calls on the Culture Minister and Local Government and Public Services Minister to jointly produce an action plan on the implementation of the recommendation to develop strategic partnerships between the Arts Council Wales and Local Authorities."

Amendment 6 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

"Calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to respond to the Report by producing a sustainable plan for growth of the Arts in Wales in line with all of the recommendations of the Wales Arts Review."

Amendment 7 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

"Believes that the substance of this Report demonstrates the need for the Welsh Assembly Government to conduct consultation before making major decisions on the future of the Arts in Wales."

Supporting Document:

A copy of a Dual Key Approach to the Strategic Development of the Arts in Wales Report can be located on the internet using the attached hyperlink:

http://new.wales.gov.uk/walesarts/?lang=en

Ends/Diwedd