On 3 February 2011, the National Assembly’s Communities and Culture Committee reported on its Inquiry into the accessibility of arts and culture in Wales. The report is wide‑ranging and comprehensive, examining many aspects of the Welsh Assembly Government’s delivery of its One Wales commitments to arts and culture.
Commenting on the report, Arts Council of Wales Chair, Prof Dai Smith said:
"This is a substantial report that makes a number of important recommendations suggesting how access to the arts might be improved in the future. It provides a thoughtful analysis of some key issues, which we look forward to considering in detail."
The Committee’s Inquiry coincided with funding announcements made as part of the Arts Council’s Investment Review. The Committee therefore took the opportunity to look at the potential impact of the Investment Review process. In doing so, the Committee examined a significant amount of written and oral evidence.
Responding to the Committee’s comments on the Investment Review, Prof Smith observed:
"As the Report makes clear, the Committee understands the rationale and the need for the Council’s strategic Investment Review. It has also found that reaction to the Review spans the full range of opinion. Given the radical and far‑reaching nature of our ambitions for the arts in Wales, this is not surprising. The Committee has helpfully provided its views on a range of matters dealing with access and participation. These are issues that will continue to be central to my Council’s deliberations as we implement the outcomes of our Review in the years to come."