Veronica German, South Wales East Assembly Member, has today questioned the Arts Council of Wales’ final decision to withdraw funding from Gwent Theatre.

Veronica, who has been in constant contact with the Arts Council during the decision making process, believes that the council has come to the wrong verdict.

Veronica German AM commented:

“I am disappointed by this decision. After 30 years of offering much needed theatre in Education to the Gwent area, the theatre is to close in December. This will now mean that thousands of school children will no longer be able to enjoy and benefit from Gwent Theatre performances.

“The Theatre is one of several companies in Monmouthshire to have its funding cut, leaving somewhat of a cultural desert. It seems that the large organisations that have had their funding cut will be able to manage, but for the smaller companies it is truly devastating.”

An Assembly inquiry into access to the arts in Wales is currently under way, and Veronica German urges people who live in the Gwent area to write to the Assembly in protest about the closure of Gwent Theatre.