Local government provides a range of arts and cultural activities, facilities and services locally. Local authority arts services can vary significantly from area to area, and from region to region as it is a discretionary provision of local authorities.
In the main, a local authority arts service is likely to encompass some or all of the following:
- Arts venues e.g. theatres, concert halls. Venues will be responsible for: programming, venue staff, building maintenance, promotion and marketing and audience development
- Direct arts services e.g. festivals, artists, activities, events, arts organisations
- Central staff e.g. arts development officers and administrative support
- Provision and administration of grants for local arts organisations and individuals
Arts and culture make an important contribution to the regeneration of communities. Cultural events contribute significantly to the local economy and attract an increased number of visitors to the area.
The Welsh Local Government Association is:
- a member of the Arts Strategy Board, chaired by the Minister for Heritage
- has also signed partnership agreements with both the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the Urdd which includes an annual funding package from all 22 local authorities
- works closely with the Arts Council for Wales, and the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers