Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks has spoken of his support for the work of the Hijinx Theatre company with adults with learning difficulties.
The South Wales Central AM wrote to the Arts Council for Wales Chief Executive, Nick Capaldi, raising concerns about the impact of the Cardiff Bay company’s work with those with learning difficulties after being contacted by constituents.
Cardiff-born Chris Franks said: “I’m aware of the fantastic work this theatre group does with those with learning difficulties and this is recognised in arts circles. But this company is facing imposed spending cuts of £75,000 and will also lose £30,000 of National Lottery funding.
“It is important that people with learning difficulties do not suffer. Hijinx and the Arts Council need to work together to ensure a high quality programme is maintained.”
In a letter to Chris Franks, Nick Capaldi said: “We explained to Hijinx back in June that we would, with a reduced allocation of funding, focus on the company’s well-regarded programme of work involving people with learning difficulties.
“So our approach going forward is to concentrate on this specific, high priority, aspect of their activity. This is important work, which we absolutely want to see continue and I would reiterate that it is categorically not our intention to endanger this work. We want to see it continue and thrive.
“As we’ve discussed the new funding arrangements with Hijinx, they have raised with us the concern that the funds on offer might not enable them to fulfil their revised role to the standard of quality that they would wish. We respect the company’s views on this, and we’ve agreed to discuss what this means.”
Nick Capaldi said he was optimistic that they “should be able to move to a position where Hijinx is fully confident that it can continue to deliver a programme of activity for people with learning difficulties of which we can all be justly proud.”
