Welsh Government, through Creative Wales, has today announced a trailblazing new programme pilot with partners BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales, S4C and Channel 4 which aims to increase opportunities for ethnically diverse communities in film and TV.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
With funding from partners and Creative Wales, Culture Connect Wales will deliver a 12 month programme pilot which aims to increase opportunities for diverse communities in film and TV in Wales by working with and supporting creatives from the ethnically diverse communities.
The programme pilot will look at developing a bespoke network for ethnically diverse communities working in film, TV and across multiple platforms.
It will aim to reach writers, directors, creative producers, artists, digital artists, media creators, helping them to re-assess their professional practice, improve their skills, and develop the confidence and contacts to push their careers and projects to the next level. The pilot will help people who want to change careers; young people and people who are not aware of opportunities in the sector. A designated portal and database will be developed to reach talent within the ethnically diverse communities in Wales which will connect talent with opportunity, jobs and paid training opportunities in the screen sector in Wales.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:
“This is a unique pilot for Wales and it shows a real commitment and collaborative approach to increasing diversity on-and-off screen in Wales – which I am very passionate about.
“Welsh Government’s 'An Anti-racist Wales - The Race Equality Action Plan' is also published today. The Plan outlines Welsh Government’s commitment to tackling structural and systemic racism to create a Wales that is proudly anti-racist by 2030. Having a true representation of our society on our screens and improving diversity has a key role to play in this work.
The project is being led by Fadhili Maghiya from Wales African Film Festival CIC. Fadhili, said:
“Our communities have a lot of creativity and skill to offer, we're excited about this project and look forward to supporting people from ethnically diverse backgrounds to flourish in the film and TV sector.
Phil Henfrey, Head of News and Programmes at ITV Cymru Wales, said:
“We are delighted to be a media partner supporting Culture Connect Wales. Opening new pathways and opportunities for people from under-represented communities in Wales, and ensuring that the sector reflects - both on and off screen - those communities, is a vital part of the work we should be doing every day.
Owen Evans, S4C’s Chief Executive, said:
“S4C is fully committed to representing our audiences on screen, and it’s also our priority to ensure that the people who create content for us reflect Wales’s voices and communities. The sector offers exciting and relevant career opportunities as well as the chance to work in the Welsh language, and we must ensure that we’re open and inclusive to everyone.
“I’m delighted that we’re able to support and partner with the Culture Connect Wales and the other broadcasters to make this happen."