Last curtain call for Theatre Powys

Theatre in schools and support for youth theatre will continue in Powys despite a major funding cut from the Arts Council of Wales, the county council has decided.

 

But the new arrangement will not save Theatre Powys which will be a victim of the drastic cost cuts.

The council’s Board yesterday (Tuesday) agreed to provide £140,250 funding for the coming year to maintain the schools’ theatre service and increase youth theatre provision in the county.

Board member for Leisure and Recreation, Councillor Gwyn Gwillim said; “Despite the Arts Council of Wales cut the council has agreed to continue its support of theatre in the county, although at a reduced level, to maintain a valuable service in the community.

“The funding means that theatre in schools, young people’s theatre and community theatre productions will continue although there will be changes in the way the services are delivered with increased use of partner companies.

“It was inevitable that after the Arts Council’s decision to cut funding there would be change, the excellent service provided by Theatr Powys over many years was no longer sustainable, the status quo was never an option.

“It is regrettable that we will lose Theatre Powys, our resident production company, they have provided our schools and youngsters with a wonderful education over the past 38 years, a fact that has been acknowledged by the Arts Council in the past. Once the decision to cut funding by 53 per cent was taken their position was not sustainable and today’s option was the only the only way forward to maintain theatre provision for children and young people in the county.

“Under the new arrangements there will be increased variety of theatre provision for schools and more equitable youth theatre provision across the county. We will continue to use the drama resource centre in Llandrindod Wells as a centre for arts and set up a small development team to cultivate new partnerships and seek external funding.

“Most people will be disappointed at the loss of Theatr Powys but I believe that changes and the significant investment made by the council provides an exciting opportunity to secure children and young people's theatre in education for many years to come.”