Culture and leisure are intrinsic to our day to day lives. We all have interests and hobbies which we partake in during our free time for relaxation or enjoyment. Participating in cultural activities stimulates our imagination and creativity, and develops our characteristics as individuals and as a nation.
Wales is a land rich in culture and heritage, and the Welsh language provides us with a unique and distinctive identity. Sport can also define a nation’s consciousness as the passion shown during the six nations championships clearly demonstrate!
Taking part in leisure and cultural activities is increasingly being seen as integral to the long-term health and well-being of individuals and to the successful regeneration of our communities.
The WLGA sees the role of local authorities as key to achieving these aims, and is working to ensure that the services and facilities provided by local government are fully recognised and sufficiently funded. The Association also believes that Leisure and Culture are areas of local government that can contribute significantly to the cross-cutting agendas of health, education and the economy.
Culture and Leisure cover a broad range of local government facilities and services to the public including:
- Countryside, Parks and Open Spaces
- Festivals, Events and Attractions
- Libraries, Literature and Information
- Museums, Arts Centres and Galleries
- Local Archives Services
- Sport, Outdoor Leisure and Active Recreation
- Welsh Language and Culture
- Youth Services, Play Development and Community Projects
- Cultural Tourism