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In January 1999, the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) published its draft drama strategy which outlined plans to review drama funding in general and Theatre for Young People in particular. The review was necessary because the then levels of funding could not sustain the old network of eight Theatre-in-Education companies which was created by ACW and partners over 20 years ago. The Theatre-in-Education network was linked to the old eight county Local Education Authorities. The impact of local government reorganisation, local management of schools and declining levels of public funding to the arts have together meant far less resources available to pay for productions for young people. In response to ACW's consultation, there was support for the principle of funding fewer companies better. ACW therefore advertised five opportunities to which companies were invited to bid. Following the awarding of the five franchises, ACW received representations from local government, politicians, the arts community, and the general public. ACW listened genuinely to all views, and it was clear that there was overwhelming opposition, possible legal challenges exposing administrative failings, and subsequently a clear need to rethink . In January 2000, ACW announced its intention to suspend the Theatre for Young People element of the Drama Strategy. Funding for the existing eight Theatre-in-Education companies was announced for three years from April 1 2000. In March 2000, ACW commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to undertake a review of the franchise process. The outcome of this review is the report which we are publishing today. The report identifies detailed recommendations addressing the weaknesses in the franchise process. Many of these recommendations are also reflected in the Management Review of ACW undertaken by Richard Wallace for Tom Middlehurst AM. The recommendations contained in both the Richard Wallace and the PWC report were accepted by ACW's Council at its meeting in early September. ACW's management response contained in the PWC report published today highlights the progress ACW is already making on implementing these recommendations. ACW regrets both the inconvenience and the effect of this on the good working relationships between ACW and the companies involved, and the internal administrative and management failings highlighted in the report. ACW is now taking every step to rebuild and improve the relationships between itself and the companies, local authorities and other partners, and is determined that future procedures will be robust and transparent. |
| Arts Council of Wales web site: www.ccc-acw.org.uk |
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Friday, October 06, 2000 |
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