(Photo credit: Equity)

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union in Wales, has issued a response following the reveal of the Welsh government’s arts funding proposals for 2025-26.

“Today’s draft budget is disappointing for the arts and shows that the Welsh Government is still not listening to Equity, the arts sector or the Arts Council of Wales (ACW). The First Minister may call this a budget ‘for hope,’ but it provides none to our members who are already struggling to sustain careers in the industry,” Simon Curtis, the Equity Wales Chief, stated per the official release. “The extra £1,095,000 funding for ACW next year in no way makes up for the cuts of previous years – and in a budget which includes £1bn of ‘new money’ due to the Westminster budget, this increase in ACW funding is derisory. We cannot forget that this is taking place against a backdrop of a 40 percent cut in funding in real terms since 2010. This proposal will see the sector continue to struggle, with institutions – like the Welsh National Opera – continuing to be in crisis and cutting productions and workforce numbers.

“Today’s announcement also comes in stark contrast to the Scottish Government, who announced a £34m increase for arts and culture last week, showing real interest in the cultural infrastructure and workforce of their country,” he continued. “According to ACW figures, every £1 of funding they receive generates £2.51 back into the economy, yet this draft budget fails to acknowledge that good culture is good for the whole economy and provides no form of long-term investment or sustainability for the sector and its workforce.”

The response comes following action taken by chorus members from the Welsh National Opera to protect their livelihood. Among their demands are for the chorus to be full-time and receive a corresponding full-time wage as well as no compulsory redundancies. They have rejected the proposal for a 15 percent cut to chorus members’ pay as well as a reduction of contracted hours. The members of the chorus engaged in action short of a strike, though that option remains planned for upcoming February performances.