Judith Knight - MBEDirector, Artsadmin

Dear Judie and Richard

I was absolutely stunned to hear about the ACW’s plans to withdraw revenue funding from CPR, and at a complete loss to understand why this decision has been made. I gather that ACW have communicated how much they value the organisation, and have acknowledged the crucial role it plays in the arts in Wales. They should also understand how much the organisation is valued in the rest of the UK and worldwide, and the crucial role it plays for the arts internationally. It appears that the funding in Wales is to be focused on ‘front-line activity’. It is surprising that there is no connection made between this ‘front line activity’ and the essentially important research and development which makes this activity possible. ACW should be proud the have CPR in Wales - an organisation which has been a pioneer to arts practitioners and organisations all over the world - especially as CPR has fully committed itself to Wales and its partnership with Aberystwyth University.

Project funding is not a viable solution. The very nature of the organisation is long term continuity, development, resources, research and collaboration, not ‘quick-fix’ bursts of activity in order to tick boxes. As the recent McMaster Review recommended, the arts in the UK should be concentrating on excellence, innovation and risk-taking. None of these recommendations can be achieved without the sort of consistent and strategic work CPR have been undertaking for many years. Their work has encouraged the crossing of boundaries of art form, disciplines and cultures in an increasingly fragmented world.

Artsadmin, itself now in its 29th year, has collaborated with CPR over many years and has seen at first hand the value of CPR to artists and audiences worldwide throughout this time. We all urge the Arts Council of Wales to re-think this disastrous decision, and to support CPR with revenue funding so that it can continue its vital work long into the future.

Judith Knight
MBEDirector,
Artsadmin