Brecon and Radnor AM Kirsty Williams has lent her support to the campaign to reverse the decision to cut funding for CARAD (Community Arts Rhayader and District).
Successful local band The Hostages have been among the many young people who have benefited from CARAD’s facilities and expertise. The group won last week’s Battle of the Bands in Cardiff and then played at the famous 100 Club in London’s Soho where they have been invited to return.
Lead singer and guitarist Tom Jones said: “CARAD has been incredibly important in the development of our music, providing much needed rehearsal space, recording and film-making facilities and people from our community who have the skills to make the most of everything CARAD has to offer.”
Kirsty Williams was at CARAD last Friday when The Hostages presented her with a petition signed by over 300 visitors to the recent Gro Gathering, calling on the Arts Council for Wales (ACW) to reverse its decision to withdraw funding.
CARAD has lodged an appeal against the cut and should soon know if it has been successful or not.
However, even a successful appeal does not necessarily mean that funding will be re-instated.