10. Plaid Cymru Debate: The challenges facing the Arts, Culture and Heritage sectors

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:22 pm on 7 October 2020.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 6:22, 7 October 2020

(Translated)

Okay, thank you very much. I'd like to thank Plaid Cymru for bringing this motion forward, which has given us an opportunity to have such a varied and valuable debate. I think this is the most comprehensive debate on culture and the arts that we've had during my period in this role. I will seek to respond to some of the points made by everyone who contributed if I have enough time. I think I have around eight minutes, do I, Llywydd? Something of that nature.

Siân Gwenllian said that I and the Government didn't place the arts at the heart of our activities, but we have placed Creative Wales at the centre of our policies and we are now developing activity through Creative Wales and investing in that. The investment in Seren Stiwdios was criticised, but, of course, developing international film output along with the development of the industry in Wales goes hand in hand. As people have an opportunity of working on the international stage, then standards can be raised.