A new category of supporter has been created for the innovative Wales Critics Fund and Wales Theatre Awards with individuals and smaller companies being asked to help ensure arts writing and reviewing continues.
Fund director Mike Smith said, “We know times are tough for everyone involved in the arts and sponsorship is beyond most small companies and individuals, so we have created a new category of supporter to make it easier to be involved in our work and nurture arts writing and reviewing.”
The new supporter category of £75 offers the benefit of being a named supporter on the Wales Theatre Awards website, the printed programme and on-screen during the awards, and at the announcement of the 2017 awards and the announcement of the shortlists for 2017. Supporters also receive a pair of tickets to the awards evening which is at the Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University on February 25. This category is available to individuals and small arts companies in Wales.
Mike added, “It has been another excellent year for the performing arts in Wales and thanks to Wales Critics Fund more shows than ever have been and are being reviewed. All support to the Wales Critics Fund will be vital in 2017 as it will help ensure that reviewers can share their views, opinions, critical feedback and also reflect the responses of audiences.”
For the last two years, reviews supported by Wales Critics Fund have appeared in a variety of publications, individual blogs and websites such as Arts Scene in Wales.
He said that in 2017 the work of Wales Critics Fund looks set to be even more important as the mainstream media continues to reduce coverage of critical and reflective arts journalism, with reviewing in particular disappearing. By providing travel costs, a small subsistence allowance and accommodation where necessary, the WCF also enables young and freelance reviewers to attend shows and also increase the scope and diversity of criticism.
The WCF links into the Wales Theatre Awards, which will take place in February, as all reviewers supported by the Fund nominate for the Awards. The Wales Critics Fund and Wales Arts Awards are organised by a not for profit company Arts Awards Ltd. They are both totally independent and are made possible by financial help from supporters.
There are new projects being planned for 2017 which we be announced later this year but which are also dependent on support.
To pledge you support, please email walestheatreawards@gmail.com
If you have any questions or require further information please email Mike at walestheatreawards@gmail.com. He will be delighted to answer any questions.