Y Pwyllgor Diwylliant, y Gymraeg a Chwaraeon

Adolygiad Polisi: Cyfraniad y Celfyddydau a Chwaraeon at Adfywio Cymunedol

Arts Disability Wales

Subject: Review of the contribution of arts and sport to the community I am writing on behalf of Arts Disability Wales (ADW) to say that our organisation strongly endorses Voluntary Arts Wales' response to the Culture Committee Review of the Contribution of Art and Sport to Community Regeneration. We know that many disabled people are involved in voluntary and community arts, and that they are likely to be among the poorest and most disenfranchised people in society.  At present ADW has 86 disabled people across Wales participating in 10 writing groups. Six groups take place within the writers own communities, and four groups are working from home via post and email, because this is the most accessible option for them. The enthusiasm and commitment from our writers is the life-blood of the project; they are now working towards the publication of an anthology, the first ever by disabled writers in Wales.  Participants tell us how much the project means to them; they are inspired, and are enjoying developing their writing skills in an accessible and safe environment. The writers are looking forward to publication of the book, when readings will take place in their communities. Some groups will want to continue to meet when the project is finished, and will take their work, and their commitment within the group, to new levels. This writing project is just one example of how the arts contribute to community regeneration. That it enriches lives and strengthens communities is something that we at Arts Disability Wales see every day. We hope that the Welsh Assembly Government will take on board the issues raised by Voluntary Arts Wales, particularly in respect of the very uncertain future faced by community and voluntary arts today. Maggie Hampton Operational Manager Arts Disability Wales, Sbectrwm, Bwlch Road, Fairwater, Cardiff CF5 3EF