Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:30 pm on 19 October 2021.
Diolch, Llywydd. Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your statement, which I welcome. I note that you rightly stated that the pandemic affected our creative industries in differing ways, with the differing music sectors very hard hit with extended venue closures, music practices closing, choirs, bands and orchestras in hibernation, and some no longer with us from this dreadful pandemic. As Members know, I believe that we as a nation, as a country, cannot separate our identity from our cultural past, our cultural legacy and that vibrant cultural future intrinsically linked to our gross domestic product. Music, our music education system and the performers of music in and across the diversity of Welsh society are key to that identity, our soul and our well-being. As such, I do greatly appreciate, Deputy Minister, the commitment of the Welsh Government to work with the University of South Wales to map the music sectors of Wales and the creation of the creative skills body, and further clarity on that, I know, the Deputy Minister will bring to this place. I do feel that that phoenix, the dragon—