Maria Hayes - Artist, Wales

Dear CPR,

I am shocked, angry and dismayed to learn that your funding is to be cut as from July 2008.
CPR is of vital importance not only to Wales, but Nationally and Internationally. Nowhere else offers a comparable practical and theoretical base for the study of Performance and Live Art concerns, regularly offers training opportunities and has documented, promoted and nurtured the development of cutting edge work.

I am currently applying for funds to take up a practice based PhD at Aberystwyth University and one of the reasons I looked at Aberystwyth was the presence of CPR.

These are desperate times with the culling of most avenues of production and experimentation.
Whilst the Arts Council of Wales has been active in rebuilding the infrastructure of capital venues throughout Wales it has at the same time been dismantling artists opportunities to make, study and train for work. Who will be left to perform and exhibit in these new show houses?

Will we be left to import our "cultural experiences" and have no reflection or space for our indigenous voice?

Perhaps it is fitting that this years "Giving Voice" is dedicated to the breath - just at the time the Arts Council sees fit to suffocate your existence.

It is extremely worrying that a publicly accountable body such as the Arts Council shows no responsibility towards explaining their decisions, giving adequate warnings to companies it plans to cull, doesn't trust a nation to support experimental and difficult work yet lends its open support to new, un-adventurous and plainly "safe" proposal of the English Speaking National Theatre. I am not saying there can't be both but that there should be both. And if one is to be culled, chose the more difficult, the more challenging venture. Otherwise we create and inhabit a museum culture, not a living one.

As an artist of Wales, that is not the country or the culture I seek to live in or contribute to. I hope the Arts Council review this decision and reverse it with some urgency.
Best wishes,

Maria Hayes
Gwynedd , Wales
www.mariahayes.info