Introduction

The Arts Council of Wales was set up in 1994 by Royal Charter. We are responsible for funding and developing the arts in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government provides us with grant in aid to fund the arts in Wales and, as an Assembly Government Sponsored Body, we are responsible to the Welsh Assembly Government for the way this money is spent. We ars a registered charity, number 1034245, whose trustees are the appointed Members.

We are also the distributor of Lottery money for the arts in Wales. National Lottery funds are allocated to ACW by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), based in London.

The Arts Council of Wales is managed by its Council, whose members are appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government. Our staff are based in offices in Colwyn Bay, Carmarthen and Cardiff.

We work towards creating the climate and conditions that sustain and develop the artistic talents of the nation; that enable new ventures and new artists to flourish; and that produce a diverse range of artistic experiences that stimulate, provoke and inspire audiences and participants at home and abroad.

Our values are rooted in a passion for the arts in all their forms and a belief that:

• All the people of Wales should have opportunities to experience and participate in the arts.
• A dynamic and creative arts sector will make Wales a better country.
• The success of artists should be celebrated and best practice promoted.
• New ideas and initiatives should be nurtured and entrepreneurial approaches adopted.
• We need to work in partnership with others to achieve shared goals and encourage others to do so.
• Best use must be made of resources while always offering a service of high quality.
• We seek to raise the standard of the arts in Wales and to ensure that the arts infrastructure is artistically, financially and organisationally strong.