Sandra Reeve - Dance Movement Therapist, Move Into Life

Dear Judie and Richard,

I am writing in support of CPR and to register my heartfelt objection that you should have your revenue funding cut.

It was with great dismay and some anger that I heard of the proposed funding cuts to CPR.

CPR has always been there, throughout my career as a movement artist, director, teacher and currently as an AHRC- funded PhD student at the University of Exeter.

CPR is internationally recognised as an extra-ordinary resource centre, meeting place and site of inspiration, knowledge and skill for performers world wide. It is a true laboratory, combining practice and theory and an interdisciplinary approach to performance, way before those became the current trends. Over the 20 years I have been in touch with CPR, it has remained at the cutting edge of artistic exploration, a pioneer , full of integrity and innovative ideas, constantly encouraging dialogue,and facilitating collaboration and commitment .

Its programme of performances has allowed me to see international work that I would never otherwise have had access to. For those of us who go there, who have received journals and newletters, who have been on the workshops, CPR is a friend, a mentor, a place to call an artistic 'home'. It is ridiculous to speak about 'project-funding' for such an invaluable place as CPR .

CPR is particularly Welsh and has always been clear about its commitment to a theatre ecology in Wales , despite what must have been many tempting international offers from those who recognise and appreciate its passion, curiosity and capacity to articulate, where others remain silent.
ACW's decision and apparent lack of understanding of CPR are, it must be said, shameful, in the light of CPR's long history of helping to put Wales on the international performance map.

This is definitely a case for appeal . One thing is clear. The question of whether there is a case for appeal, or not, should definitely not be in the sole hands of ACW Chief Executive Peter Tyndall, if he was involved in the original decision making process. Should it? If so, why? ACW, please explain.

I wish CPR all the very best with their appeal. The huge loss to both Wales and the international community, if they cannot survive because of some short-term, short-sighted policy, is inconceivable. Don't let it happen.

Yours sincerely,
Sandra Reeve
Senior Registered Dance Movement Therapist
www.moveintolife.co.uk