Voxpop: Should we subsidise the arts?

The arts have been flourishing in Cardiff but, with further spending cuts in the pipeline, they could be set to suffer.

Where for art thou founding Romeo? Welsh arts look set for cuts

Where for art thou funding Romeo? The arts in Wales face big cuts

The Welsh government has recently announced further reductions to the Arts Council of Wales (AWC) budget. As well as this period’s mid-year cut of £300k, AWC’s 2015/16 budget is to decrease by around £950k.

Resultantly, AWC has reportedly indicated that it’s highly likely that it will have to trim its portfolio, with a greater reliance on income generation. But if art is being produced with a focus on profit, does it not lose some of its purpose and power?

With the burgeoning Cardiff Contemporary festival in full swing, we took to the streets to gauge public opinion on the question of arts funding.

_{Photos by Tom Carter}

How important is it that we fund the arts, if at all?

Hugh Lester, 51, Welsh exam board, Cardiff

“It’s very important if we can but it depends what the funding is being cut for. If it’s for something more social then there might, perhaps, be a justification for it.”

Lynette Williams, 62, practice manager, Cardiff

“The arts are diverse and you need to have the youngsters coming along to express themselves. If you don’t have the kids coming through, these things might die out.”

Emily Maguire, 23, PhD student, London

“It’s important because it helps keep culture alive. Like in Wales, some arts promote the Welsh language, which is important for the country.”

Max Peltason, 23, master’s student, Berlin

“It’s a good thing. It definitely keeps Cardiff very vibrant in a certain way. It means people don’t just associate it with one thing, say rugby.”

Jonny Falkus, 25, teacher, Bristol

“It’s vital. Music’s my scene. People aren’t buying music, so artists play fewer gigs and have to ramp up their prices. Everything’s becoming a little bit less available.”

Rhian Pitt, 30, teacher, Bristol

“Having art surrounding you is quite important. It’s for the benefit of all and it makes the day a bit nicer. Without funding you wouldn’t be able to have public art.”

Allie Davies, 45, shop worker, Penarth

“Other things wouldn’t be worth what they are if we didn’t have stimulating, beautiful or creative things to inform us.”

Megan Roberts, 28, restaurant manager, Brecon

“In an age where everything’s digital it’s really important to keep people’s imaginations open. The arts are a really good way to do that.”