Matthew Rhys says cuts to Welsh arts sector are ‘stabbing’

College principal Helena Gaunt said closing the junior conservatoire was a “very difficult decision” which it felt forced to make due to lack of funds.

She is calling for an increase in funding for the arts.

“We say a lot that this is a cultural nation, and if we want to continue to be a really cultural nation we have to invest in that – and that includes the college,” she said.

Last year WNO had a 10% cut from its application for standstill funding from Arts Council Wales, while National Theatre Wales lost all its core funding.

Arts Council Wales’s funding from the Welsh government was cut by 10.5% this year.

Tim Rhys-Evans, director of music at the college, said he frequently had conversations with students worried about their future.

“We have a lot of conversations about the state that the arts world is in,” said Mr Rhys-Evans.

“Are there going to be jobs for them when they leave here? I tell them the world is always going to need creatives.”

He said if Wales did not have culture it would just be “a tiny blob” on the world map.

“The difference that we have made to the international arts scene is something that we all need to be really proud of, and make damned sure it’s still going to be here in generations to come.”

Ms Gaunt said it was “essential” for the college – which turns 75 this year – and the arts sector more widely for levels of funding be be “rebuilt to former levels”.

She said: “Much more can be achieved and contributed to our societies by relatively modest increases in funding.”

The Welsh government said: “The arts sector makes a vital contribution to our social, cultural and economic fabric – enriching our communities and inspiring future generations.

“Our draft budget for the next financial year will be published next week.”