Wales: Bettered by Arts

IFACCA/Artshub, 26 July 2005,United Kingdom

A new publication by Arts Council of Wales, The Arts Work, serves to highlight the significant role played by the arts in the social and economic life of Wales. The Arts Work makes use of case studies and a wide range of facts to illustrate the range of benefits offered through the arts, such as creating and sustaining jobs in Wales and contributing to the agendas of health, cultural identity and community regeneration. Geraint Talfan Davies, Chairman of the Arts Council of Wales said: “The Arts Work is a key tool for advocating the intrinsic worth of the arts in Wales. In these pages we have gathered headline evidence of the way in which the arts touch our lives. This demonstrates the return to individuals and society from investment in the arts by government at all levels, by trusts and foundations, by businesses and by an increasingly engaged public.” A recent Arts Council of Wales survey revealed that 63% of those interviewed thought their chances of getting a job were helped by the skills they had gained from participating in arts and cultural activities. Ann Kellaway, Senior Research & Audience Development Officer at The Arts Council of Wales said:” Through our research we have found the arts continue to pay a major part in creating and sustaining jobs in Wales. By developing a strong and healthy arts sector, a more innovative, creative and skilled arts workforce will be developed, which not only contributes to the local economy but also projects a strong image of Wales abroad.” To download a copy of The Arts Work: Facts and Figures 2005, CLICK HERE. For further information, CLICK HERE,

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