Arts Council Wales warns Welsh arts industry needs urgent funding

The Arts Council of Wales has taken a real 40% funding cut since 2010 and Mr Rhys says he has serious concerns the sector will not exist within a decade.

He also warned that the arts risked becoming elitist if not properly funded.

“I doubt much of this will be there in 10 years, other than that it will be in the hands of some very, very rich philanthropists and not available to everyone at an affordable price,” he added.

Mr Rhys said the report was published “as an advocacy tool” to fight for the industry and its funding.

In December the Welsh government will publish its draft budget.

“The turnover of the sector, creative industries and culture is around £1.6bn,” Mr Rhys added.

“Employment is around 40,000, that’s like things like insurance or the finance industry, it’s like telecommunications.

“This is a serious professional sector and it needs to be supported because it cannot continue like this.”