Liz Holmes - Company Administrator, Artsadmin

Judie and Richard

I was dismayed to hear that ACW are not intending to renew CPR’s Revenue Funding beyond July 2008. The Arts Councils of both England and Wales continually quote innovation, and international connections as key marks of excellence, so it seems greatly at odds that they continue to cull companies that are truly innovative, that capture work that falls between the gaps, work that is promoted successfully abroad, work that doesn’t always achieve the visibility of larger companies, but is no less important in the creation and development of art and performance that Britain can be proud of.

The Centre for Performance Research is a unique company, and wonderful resource. Having just secured a permanent home in The Foundry, this should be the time that ACW help CPR to really put down roots, increase CPR’s accessibillty and programming, not deny the company and those it supports the opportunity to make the most of their new home!

The incredible success of CPR’s Giving Voice festivals and the regular series of workshops, training and advocacy for the contemporary performance sector, have pinpointed CPR, and moreover, Aberystwyth as a centre for progressive, interdisciplinary and important cultural work. Aber is not just a seaside, band-on-the-promenade, quaint university town – thanks to CPR it’s a key hub of artistic integrity, literally giving voice to companies and artists that may not otherwise be heard.

CPR’s Archive continues to give performers and artists a platform for their work to be seen and studied, long after the shows/events themselves have come to an end. The Archive is a wonderful resource not least for the students of Aberystwyth University, but to hundreds, internationally. So few places can claim to have such a comprehensive collection of seminal performance work and research, and it’s vital that access to this incredible anthology can continue and thrive. CPR is also advancing the careers of successful arts managers through their internships. Cultural leadership and professional development in the performing arts is key to the future success of the sector, not least ACW itself!

CPR supports and promotes artists whose work has been pivotal in the development of theatre and the performing arts for decades. To coin somewhat of a cliché, companies like CPR are a hot-house for the tiny acorns from which the mighty oaks of national theatres grow. If ACW is intent on building the first English-language National Theatre for Wales, it cannot afford to overlook companies like CPR who are nurturing highly innovative, creative, socially relevant work, and running highly successful performance AND academic training alongside. CPR are at the heart of the creation of new work, new initiatives, continual professional development and training. CPR is not a peripheral or subsidiary company, nor merely a university department that can be dispensed with. Removal of revenue funding would halt the progression of CPR at a time when it should be flourishing. CPR’s connections, nationally and internationally, and its continued dedication to innovation and creativity should be cherished not quashed at a time when cultural excellence in Wales is being lauded.

Please do keep us updated on progress with ACW – you have our sympathies!

All best

Liz Holmes
Company Administrator – Artsadmin
(and previous CPR Intern 2002 !!)