7. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism: Creative Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:37 pm on 30 April 2019.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 6:37, 30 April 2019

Thank you very much for that. On your final point, the whole point of mapping venues is that we know exactly what's going on, and this money for the mapping exercise was introduced because we were very concerned that venues were closing, and we didn't even know about them. Now, what we hope we can then do is to find which venues currently we might be able to encourage, and we will find a structure in which they will be supported, obviously working with the voluntary sector, the music sector and, where appropriate, obviously, with the education sector in different areas. 

I'm aware of your strong and committed support to music education, and you're absolutely right, the development of musical literacy, at all levels, is such a key issue. I had the privilege of listening to the wind band on Sunday in Hoddinott Hall, and it's brilliant to see the quality that we produce in all forms of music, and I'm very keen to make sure we encourage that. And this is why I regard the establishment of Creative Wales within a short timescale—that is, within months, so that it's working fully within four to six months, because I intend to ensure that that organisation takes the development of music of all kinds as one of its priorities, precisely to meet the challenges that you've indicated. And it's essential that there is a direct link between what Creative Wales will demand for the development of the music industry throughout Wales and the education system. I've already had discussions with the education Minister about these issues, and I can assure you that there will be a strategic approach across Government on this.