CREATIVE industries unions in Wales have demanded a meeting with new First Minister Eluned Morgan to address the decimation of Welsh cultural output and inject more money in the sector.

The Wales Federation of Entertainment Unions (Bectu, Equity, Musicians’ Union, Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and National Union of Journalists) wrote to Ms Morgan saying funding cuts, the cost-of-living crisis and an exodus of workers have created a perfect storm threatening the sector.

The unions argued that cultural spending as a proportion of the Welsh government budget is amongst the lowest in Europe at less than 0.15 per cent, compared to an average of 1.5 per cent.

WFEU chairman Simon Curtis said: “Wales needs a cultural strategy which focuses on proper long-term investment and the right to fair pay and working conditions for both experienced, skilled artists and emerging young talent if the sector is to survive.”

The unions pointed to cuts to broadcaster S4C’s budget. Publishing in Wales is also in crisis with a 37 per cent real-terms cut over 10 years and two prominent magazines (Planet and New Welsh Review) closing.

Members of the Musicians’ Union at Welsh National Opera have voted for strike action over job cuts and a 15 per cent pay cut. 

A Bectu survey has shown that half of Wales’ film and TV workforce are out of work, with about a third saying they see themselves leaving the industry in Wales altogether.

The axing of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s junior music and drama training makes it the only conservatoire in the UK without regular junior provision.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "Wales’ culture, art and sports institutions are an integral part of our society and wellbeing, enriching our communities and inspiring future generations.

“We have acted to mitigate the full scale of the budget pressures on these sectors, however we have had to take extremely difficult decisions to focus funding on core public services, including the NHS.”