Creu Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government’s decision to top up annual arts funding by £4.4m, which takes the funding to the Arts Council of Wales back to the level of 2023/24 before the 10.5% cut announced last year. This commitment is a significant and much-needed boost for Wales' cultural sector at a time of immense challenge. We extend our gratitude to the Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant for his leadership in ensuring that the arts remain a priority.

This funding increase will help safeguard venues, support creative jobs, and sustain the vital role the arts play in our communities and economy. However, as highlighted in the recent Senedd Culture Committee report, the sector still faces financial instability following years of funding pressures. Our own Sector Snapshot Report also shows the precarious position of many arts organisations, with rising costs, a reduced and under pressure workforce and the ongoing impact of the pandemic and current economic climate continuing to present serious risks.

While this funding uplift is a step in the right direction, long-term investment and strategic support remain essential to ensuring a thriving and resilient arts sector in Wales. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to address these challenges through both revenue and capital investment to ensure Welsh culture is recognised across the world for its quality and to build a stronger future for the arts.