Several of Wales’ most well-known artists, including Sir Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Michael Sheen, and Ruth Jones, have voiced their opposition to the cuts made to the Welsh National Opera (WNO). The artists have sent a protest letter to the Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, saying that funding cuts from Arts Council England (ACE) and Arts Council Wales would have a “devastating” impact on the opera.
In April, WNO announced that it was cutting back its spring tour in 2025 and would not be performing in Llandudno or Bristol. ACE decreased its funding to WNO by 35%, while Arts Council Wales reduced its funding by 11.8% following its investment review announced in September 2023.
The letter, organised by singer Elizabeth Atherton, a member of Senedd’s Cross Party Working Group for Music, warns that WNO is “being forced to make its orchestra and chorus part-time”. The group also calls for urgent assistance from both administrations to ensure the future of the iconic company.
An ACE spokesperson said the organisation’s commitment to WNO was “unwavering”, with over £15.3m invested in the next three years. They acknowledge the challenging operating environment for funded institutions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and pledge to be “as flexible as we can”.
Ms Atherton called on the Welsh government and UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to discuss how WNO’s cross-border funding agreement could be honoured. Without emergency financial aid, one of Wales’ most prestigious national institutions faces being dismantled, something that would have devastating repercussions for the nation’s artistic heritage and global reputation.
The Welsh government and Arts Council Wales have been asked to comment on the artists’ protest letter
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