Will the Minister provide an update on what Welsh Government support is available for professional musicians?
The Welsh Government provides support for professional musicians through both The Arts Council of Wales and Creative Wales, who are both investors in the music sector in Wales. Music is identified as a shared priority in the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.
The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) operate at arm’s length from Government. Following its recent Investment Review, ACW is committed to investing in a number of music organisations that provide employment opportunities for musicians and singers. 2024/25 will see £1,702,772 and £4,214,136 committed to music and opera organisations respectively. These organisations include BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, Live Music Now Wales, Music Theatre Wales and Welsh National Opera. ACW also provide support to Tŷ Cerdd, Community Music Wales and Focus Wales who provide a number of development and showcase opportunities for music creators.
Creative Wales channels support for artists through organisations including PRS Momentum, Beacons and Power Up. Creative Wales supports with showcasing Welsh artists, through Focus Wales, The Great Escape, and other smaller music events as well as amplifying Welsh artists through a monthly Spotify playlist and signposting artists to advice available from other third-party organisations. Creative Wales has three established stakeholder groups for artists, industry professionals, and music spaces respectively which enables it to be aware of issues and consider ideas and solutions put forward from various elements of the Music industry.