The Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government have announced that 40 arts organizations across Wales will receive funding from an £8 million Capital Investment Fund, following an open application process launched in June. The fund, administered by the Arts Council of Wales, received 68 applications in total, with successful organizations now able to invest immediately in projects that will deliver economic and social benefits throughout Wales.
Major regional arts venues are among the primary beneficiaries of this funding round. Recipients include prominent institutions such as the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Pontio Arts Centre in Bangor, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, and Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Other significant venues receiving support include Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, Y Muni in Pontypridd, the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, and the Blackwood Miners Institute.
The funding extends to cultural centers across Wales, including Canolfan Soar in Merthyr Tydfil, Canolfan Ucheldre Centre in Holyhead, the Elysium Gallery (formerly the JT Morgan department store) in Swansea, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran, and the Newbridge Memo. Additionally, several theaters will benefit from the investment, including Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon, Theatr Felinfach in Ceredigion, Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard, Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan, and the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.
Beyond major venues, numerous arts organizations throughout Wales have secured funding for redevelopment and upgrading works, including feasibility studies and digital transformation projects. These organizations include Artes Mundi Prize, Avant Cymru in Wrexham, Butetown Artists in Cardiff, Community Music Wales in Merthyr, Frân Wen in Bangor, Hummadruz in Cardiff, and Literature Wales Ty Newydd in Gwynedd. Live Music Now Wales, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, National Youth Arts Wales, and PeopleSpeakUp in Carmarthenshire are also among the recipients.
Additional beneficiaries include Small World Theatre in Ceredigion, Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda, Tanio based in Bettws Bridgend, Theatr Cymru, Theatr Iolo based in Cardiff, and the Volcano Theatre Company in Swansea. The funding will support capital projects of various scales, from major venue redevelopments to digital infrastructure improvements and environmental sustainability enhancements.
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive at the Arts Council of Wales, emphasized the critical need for this investment. "The response from the sector demonstrated the real need for this funding to maintain and develop our important venues and enable creativity and community to flourish the length and breadth of Wales," he said. "It is clear there is a need to maintain and improve these important buildings whilst also enhancing the environmental sustainability of these venues. In a strong round, we are heartened to see so many exciting plans for the future, including those we couldn't support this time."
Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant highlighted the government's commitment to supporting Wales' cultural sector. "This £8 million investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting Wales' vibrant arts and culture sector," he stated. "The 40 organizations who have been awarded funding represent the beating heart of cultural life across every corner of Wales. The breadth of projects supported - from major venue redevelopments to digital transformation initiatives - reflects our recognition that the arts sector needs flexible support to meet the challenges of the 21st century."
Sargeant particularly emphasized the fund's comprehensive approach, noting its support for both major institutions and grassroots organizations. "Whether it's improving accessibility, enhancing environmental sustainability, or embracing new technologies, this investment will help our cultural organizations adapt and thrive whilst maintaining their essential role in Welsh life," he added. "I'm particularly pleased to see funding reaching both our major cultural institutions and grassroots organisations, ensuring that the benefits of this investment will be felt by communities right across Wales."
Sarah Ecob, Head of Service - Economy & Culture at Conwy County Borough Council, expressed enthusiasm about the support for Venue Cymru. "We're really excited to receive this support from Arts Council Wales, which will provide us with the first steps for the Venue Cymru Futures project as a key part of the overall funding mix," she said. The funded work will include designing a new auditorium layout with new seating throughout and upgrading technical infrastructure. The complete Venue Cymru Futures project aims to deliver an innovative Culture Hub that will bring people together, celebrate and support creativity, and help safeguard services for years to come.
