Funding boost enables Culture and Heritage programme to expand

Economy Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates has announced £125,000 to expand a culture and heritage programme which offers learning and development opportunities in Wales where they are needed most.

The additional money will strengthen the Welsh Government’s Fusion programme and expand its reach from six Pioneer Areas to ten, making it easier for communities to get involved.

Flintshire, Caerphilly, Conwy and Carmarthenshire will join existing Pioneer Areas in Swansea, Gwynedd, Cardiff/Merthyr, Newport, Torfaen and Wrexham, with each receiving a share of the additional £125,000.

Last year over 1,500 people participated in Fusion programme activities, with 500 of those taking part in courses or achieving a new skill or qualification.

The Economy Secretary made the funding announcement during a visit to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, where he was meeting young people to celebrate an exciting Fusion project led by the Museum.

Through the programme, local children have taken over the launch event of two community museums in Blaenymaes and Penlan, have interviewed community members, and have created their own original film.

Kids in Museums is an independent charity dedicated to making museums open and welcoming to all, and in particular those who haven’t visited museums before. Working with the Fusion programme, Kids in Museums is now announcing that Takeover Day 2016 will take place on Thursday 10 November. This will see children and young people take charge of museums and heritage sites, and assume meaningful, powerful, decision-making roles at the heart of the organisation.

Ken Skates said:

“I am proud Wales is taking the lead in breaking down barriers to culture and making our heritage more accessible and enjoyable for all. From supporting young people at school, to helping adults gain skills through volunteering, our Fusion Programme is enabling local authorities and Communities First areas to find new opportunities to engage people who would not normally give culture and heritage a go.

“I am delighted we have been able to extend Fusion to four additional areas and would stress that creating skills and jobs growth opportunities, protecting our heritage and finding new ways to inspire communities remains a top priority for this government.”

Dea Birkett, Creative Director at Kids in Museums, said:

“Culture and heritage is a fantastic tool to help give young people experience, ambition and increased choices and opportunities. Takeover Day is an excellent example of young people not just looking and listening, but creating and making and taking the lead. We’re thrilled to be working with the Welsh Government to put culture and heritage at the heart of tackling disadvantage.”

Head of the National Waterfront Museum Steph Mastoris said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming the Economy Secretary to this event. We have used Takeover Day to work closely with local communities to help them create their own museums to share, reminisce and celebrate their heritage together.”

Cllr Will Evans, Cabinet Member for Anti-Poverty and Communities at the City and County of Swansea, which is leading the Swansea Pioneer Area, said:

“This funding will ensure we can continue the excellent work of the Creative Learning Partnership. Tackling poverty is something we are committed to, and providing cultural opportunities to everyone in the city, particularly in deprived areas, is something we are keen to see continue.”