Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Committee

Policy review - English Medium Writing In Wales

Contribution from Monmouthshire County Council

(Please note that this contribution represents the views of the Council’s cultural services, and has not been endorsed through any formal process.)The review of English medium writing is to be welcomed, as is the opportunity for all sectors involved in the production, promotion and enjoyment of writing to work together to redress the limitations inherent in the current situation. The Council believes that English medium books and writing make a major contribution to culture in Wales, and promotion of writing and literature is one of the emerging themes that the Council will wish to include in its Culture Strategy. The Council believes that there needs to be more support for writers and writing, as well as for the means of production and distribution, and welcomes the transfer of responsibility for publishing from the Arts Council to the Welsh Books Council. Local authorities have a role here, in providing encouragement for writing through the formal education process, and through support of writing groups. We would particularly support the attention being given to the needs of children and young people.With regard to marketing, the Council welcomes the Joint Marketing Strategy, issued for consultation by the Welsh Books Council. The approaches outlined in this document, based as they are on partnership working, seem to make a significant contribution to both points (iii) and (iv) in the review terms of reference. One of the main barriers existing at present is the fragmented and isolated nature of the Welsh book trade, and the difficulties this raises for the promotion of English medium writing from Wales, and this strategy recommends a number of ways in which this could be addressed. The Council particularly welcomes the role of library services in this, and urges the Committee not to overlook them.Links between sectors will be particularly important in raising public awareness of literature and writers. While providing an opportunity, the fostering of these links can also highlight barriers, as communication between them is not always perfect. The Council believes that the review should examine what links could be particularly beneficial, and seek to recommend ways to improve them. As well as education and tourism, the list should include libraries, museums, youth services and economic development services. The Committee might also consider recommending to local authorities that the promotion of writing should be included in local cultural strategies.Finally the Council hopes that the Welsh Assembly Government will provide sufficient resources to implement the outcomes of the review. In addition to directly supporting the writing process, publishing and marketing, the Council would wish to see financial help being made available to raise public awareness through activities and events in schools, libraries and other local authority venues.29 August 2003