We look forward to discussions with organisations and creative unions on how the funding can be used to support Wales' creative sector. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The Welsh Government has announced its proposed spending plans for 2025/26, which includes an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales.
This increase, while still modest compared to the significant real terms funding cuts for the sector since 2010, is a very welcome step in the right direction.
Stability and security for the creative sector
The announcement comes after months of campaigning by MU members to protect Welsh National Opera (WNO), which is ongoing, and the announcement of the £3.6m Jobs Protection and Resilience Fund finalised by the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) in December.
We look forward to discussions with the relevant organisations, in collaboration with the other creative unions, on how this funding can best be used to support increased work and fair pay for musicians and other creative workers, as well as stability and security in the sector.
Support for higher education in Wales
The MU is also pleased about the recent announcement of an additional £19m to support the higher education sector, which we trust will help to ensure that courses such as music remain open at universities where it is currently on offer.
Music courses and the work they offer to members are vital parts of the musical ecosystem in Wales and the MU is extremely concerned about the threats they currently face at institutions such as Cardiff University.
However, we know that the funding for the National Music Service Wales, the related redundancy/restructuring consultations at several music services, and other issues such as the future of St David’s Hall and Welsh National Opera, are extremely concerning for many members.
We are continuing to raise these issues and more on behalf of members via all possible channels, including our work with TUC Cymru, TULO Wales, and Welsh Labour.
A welcome step in the right direction
Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England Andy Warnock said: “We know that there are serious challenges facing our members as well as other people and organisations across Wales that won’t suddenly disappear as a result of this announcement. However, this is great news and a step in the right direction after widespread concern about the funding for arts and culture in the draft budget for 2025/26.
“I hope Welsh Government can build on this funding level in future years given the importance of public funding for the creative industries, its economic value, and the major cuts it’s faced since 2010.
“I’m really pleased and grateful that the Minister, Jack Sargeant MS, has been able to make the case for additional funding for our sector, and I look forward to continuing to work with him, other Ministers, and officials to make progress on key issues facing members. I’d also like to thank the Senedd Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee for their valuable work investigating and considering the issues facing our sector.
“Our political engagement on behalf of members on a range of issues will continue throughout the year, and one of our current priorities is to try and secure an increase to the funding for the National Music Service Wales for 2025/26.
“While we’re pleased it seems this funding is going to be renewed for another three years, it seems that is currently based on a further cut to £3.5m per year (compared to £4.5m per year originally), which is already affecting members’ work and provision to young people across Wales. Welsh Government must increase this funding for a service that was in Welsh Labour’s 2021 Senedd manifesto and subsequent Programme for Government.”