Newport West AM, Rosemary Butler has urged Culture Minister Alun Pugh to make it easier for smaller arts events, such as the Caerleon Arts Festival, to apply for grants.

"These festivals not only play a large part in cultural tourism, but they are also the core of the local cultural scene and are usually organised by volunteers.Applying for grants is an art  in itself and, as I have asked you before, would you be prepared to initiate a fast track, easy access, to grants for these organisations, " she said.

"Caerleon is a classic example. It has a European reputation, but because it is not one of the big ones like Llangollen, getting funding is very difficult. Any help you can give, Minister, would be very welcome."

Mr Pugh replied that funding was channelled through the Arts Council of Wales, but he would welcome an additional tranche of funding into his own budget as well as that of local authorities. He agreed that cultural festivals were a very important part of cultural life in Wales.

Wednesday,March 21