Top Welsh artists criticize spending cuts

Welsh National Opera announced cuts to its spring tour in 2025 in April and will not perform in Llandudno or Bristol. The Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England has reduced its funding by 35%, while the Arts Council Wales has reduced its funding to Welsh National Opera by 11.8% following the announcement of an investment review in September 2023 .

Many prominent Welsh artists have criticized the funding cuts. A petition signed by Sir Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones, among others, has been sent to the First Minister and Secretary of State for Culture in Cardiff, the Secretary of State for Culture in Westminster, the Chief Minister in Westminster, and members of the Labour Opposition. There are 176 signatures on the petition.

The letter claimed that “the potential dismantling of one of Wales' finest national institutions is devastating” and that the National Orchestra of Wales “is being forced to make its orchestra and choir members working part-time”.

The Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England said its commitment to opera and classical music was “unwavering” and that it would invest more than £15.3 million in Welsh National Opera over the next three years. The Welsh Government, meanwhile, has said it will confirm a £700 million reduction in government spending compared to 2021.