Dafydd Elis-Thomas MS, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
We have been in regular discussion with both the National Library of Wales and with Amgueddfa Cymru to consider their financial challenges, both in response to the ongoing public health crisis and in relation to their future funding requirements.
I am pleased to announce today a new funding package of £6.2m for the National Library of Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales for 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Since the publication of the independent Tailored Review report in November 2020, the National Library has progressed significantly with an action plan to implement its recommendations and a new strategic plan. This momentum and a more detailed focus on what needs to be done has allowed us to start outlining the necessary budgets for implementation. The funding for the National Library also includes funding to support the implementation of some key recommendations highlighted in the review.
I am determined that this funding will be used to meet immediate operational difficulties, to meet funding shortfalls, to protect jobs and to address the serious steps that need to be undertaken to ensure the longer-term sustainability of these hugely important national bodies.
Both Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales are key partners in delivering the goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, and will have a significant role to play in recovery and renewal post Covid-19. I am also eager to support them with their new strategic priorities, which have an emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation and a deeper outreach and engagement programme with the communities of Wales.
The full details of the funding will be included in the final Budget for 2021-22 that will be published on 2 March. However, I am confident it will meet the shortfalls identified by the institutions and that it will include the right level of funding to help secure a bright and sustainable future for both national cultural organisations.