Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport, and Tourism
I am pleased to announce we have appointed Diverse Cymru to manage the Culture Grant Scheme for Grassroot Organisations on behalf of Welsh Government. The grant scheme opens for application in mid-August for six weeks. I have made available funding of up to £455,000 over the next two years to enable Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people have equitable access to and involvement in cultural activities. Further information on eligibility, including how to make an application and support available to applicants, can be found on Diverse Cymru’s website (external link).
This grant funding is a direct response to two specific actions in the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. It addresses the need to review funding applications to improve outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic-led organisations or people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and ring-fences resource to support grassroots cultural and creative activities among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups.
We want culture in Wales to be for everyone and about everyone. We know culture shapes our identity and influences our behaviour. Wales is a diverse country; our history is rich with the stories and cultures of settled communities and individuals from every corner of the globe who have made Wales their home. Their contribution can be felt everywhere. Ethnic minority people have contributed to all spheres of our economy and society for generations. For many, culture is steeped in duality of language, music, food and history; deeply intertwined and multifaceted.
Through this grant I want to enable ethnic minority people to define, interpret and engage in cultural activities meaningful to them and create a more inclusive culture reflective of our society’s diversity. This is about enabling ethnic minority people to shape how they celebrate and share their culture, not just seeking to ‘include’ ethnic minority people in structures that may have been perceived as excluding them.
I am grateful for the continued support and contribution from the Plaid Cymru Designated Member as we take forward this important work.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.