Strengthening Wales' Cultural Future: A Vision for St David’s Day and Beyond

On this year’s St David’s Day and World Futures Day, Wales takes a moment to reflect on its rich cultural heritage while envisioning a brighter, more inclusive future. The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker, has laid out an ambitious plan to elevate culture to the forefront of public policy. He envisions a Wales where culture is not a privilege but a statutory right embedded in the work of all public bodies to nurture thriving local communities.

The Cultural Commitment in Welsh Legislation

This April marks the 10th anniversary of Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, groundbreaking legislation that recognises cultural well-being as equally vital as economic, environmental, and social well-being. By placing cultural well-being at its heart, the Act acknowledges the profound impact that arts and culture have on individual lives and society as a whole. However, despite this legislative commitment, Wales currently ranks near the bottom in Europe for spending on cultural and recreational services.

Mr Walker believes that a dedicated Culture Bill could redress this imbalance by addressing inequality and ensuring every resident of Wales can enjoy and participate in cultural activities. “Launching a Culture Bill here in Wales would make a commitment to ensuring culture is given the priority and resources it deserves to flourish for generations to come,” he asserts.

Recent Developments and Challenges Ahead

The Welsh Government recently announced an annual £4.4 million boost for arts and culture, a step welcomed by Mr Walker. However, he warns that significant challenges remain. With budget cuts threatening cultural services, he stresses the need to safeguard arts initiatives to avoid what he describes as a “cultural postcode lottery.” The commissioner is calling for a “cultural reset,” urging all public institutions to integrate cultural accessibility into their work.

A long-term vision is essential, Mr Walker emphasises, to ensure sustainable investment in the arts. His Future Generations Report, set to be released on April 29, will offer actionable recommendations for the government and public bodies to fortify Wales’ cultural sector and champion the Welsh language.

Community-Driven Cultural Success Stories

Amid these challenges, inspiring projects across Wales demonstrate the transformative power of arts and culture. Rhondda Cynon Taf’s (RCT) Arts & Cultural Service, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Wales, is piloting an innovative Artists in Service scheme. This programme, focused on meaningful community engagement in Treorchy and its surrounding areas, places residents’ voices at the centre of cultural development.

Jên Angharad, CEO of Artis Community Cymuned, highlights the life-changing potential of such initiatives. Her organisation, which operates the YMa: Centre for Culture, Creativity, Arts in Pontypridd, empowers individuals through creative experiences. She remarks, “Art might not be seen to be immediately saving lives, but evidence shows it can play a big part in enhancing wellbeing and in the prevention of ill health.”

Another heartwarming example comes from Caerphilly County Borough’s Arts Development team. Their Guided Movement Silent Disco at Blackwood Miners’ Institute brought care home residents together, fostering joy and social connection. For Barbara, a 90-year-old participant, the disco rekindled cherished memories, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in combating isolation and enriching lives.

Paving the Way for a Flourishing Cultural Sector

Looking ahead, the commissioner sees opportunities to showcase Wales’ cultural ambition on an international stage. The Welsh Government delegation’s visit to Paris on March 5 offers a chance to highlight not only Wales’ vibrant arts scene and thriving Welsh language but also the urgent need for deeper commitment and investment.

The Future Generations Commissioner’s upcoming Action Summit in April will further galvanise efforts to embed cultural well-being in public services. Building on the successes of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, the summit aims to spark initiatives that align culture with broader objectives, such as environmental sustainability, anti-racism, and new definitions of prosperity.

Finally, research by the Arts Council of Wales emphasises the economic value of the cultural sector, with every £1 of public investment generating £2.51 in economic returns. This underscores the dual importance of culture as both an economic driver and a cornerstone of well-being.

A Cultural Vision for Tomorrow

As Wales celebrates St David’s Day, it also reflects on the transformative role of arts and culture in shaping a more equitable, inclusive future. Derek Walker’s vision for a Culture Bill and his dedication to cultural well-being offer a promising blueprint. Wales stands at a crossroads: with meaningful investment and strategic action, it can preserve and enhance its cultural legacy for generations to come. The time to act is now, ensuring that every resident—regardless of location—can see themselves reflected in and inspired by the nation’s cultural tapestry.