Dawns i Bawb to Close After Nearly 40 Years Amid Funding Challenges

Dawns i Bawb, a unique Welsh language-led dance company, will close after nearly 40 years due to funding challenges. The company worked with vulnerable communities and provided opportunities for local artists. The Arts Council acknowledges the difficult decision amid sector pressures.

Closure of Dawns i Bawb Announced

Catherine Young, Artistic Director of Dawns i Bawb, described the company as "truly unique."

The board of the Caernarfon-based dance company Dawns i Bawb has decided to cease its operations at the end of the year.

Catherine Young explained that their revenue grant level did not "align with our costs, especially for a small dance company operating across three rural and extensive counties."

"We have tried everything over the past two years – restructuring, creating a new business model, and reducing our activities, but core costs continue to rise."

The company had received funding from the Arts Council of Wales but has now withdrawn from the council.

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, described hearing about the company's decision as "a cause of sadness" but noted it was a careful and thoughtful choice.

Catherine Young stated that a significant gap will be left after the company closes and that "it is difficult to accept this."

"Dawns i Bawb has brought communities together for nearly two decades."

She explained that the difficult decision came "after discussions, reflection, and careful planning."

"We are very sad to news but also remain extremely proud of what we have built together – our dancers, dance artists, partners, supporters, and colleagues.

"Your creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm have shaped a vibrant and unique community dance organisation."

Ms Young added that the "truly unique" organisation was one of the few Welsh language-led dance organisations in Wales and had "worked to ensure no one faces barriers when trying to access dance."

Community Impact and Accessibility

In a message to Cymru Fyw on Tuesday afternoon, Ms Young reiterated that a large void will be left after the company ends and that "it is difficult to accept this."

"Our work has focused on working through dance with the most vulnerable people in our communities."

These groups include "disabled people, those living with dementia, refugees, residential homes and hospitals, people living with mental illness, and those from the most deprived backgrounds in our communities."

"We ensured that dance activities were accessible and affordable to those who would otherwise face barriers to accessing the arts.

"We were also able to offer regular work to several talented local dance artists in the area."

Rhaglen Dawns mewn Cartrefi Dawns i Bawb. Grwp - Brynseiont Pendine Park — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Dywedodd Catherine Young y bydd bwlch mawr yn cael ei adael wedi i'r cwmni ddod i ben ac "mae'n anodd derbyn hyn"

Challenges and Future Plans

"Like many arts organisations, we have been navigating a challenging funding and operational landscape and believe this is the right time to end our work in a thoughtful and responsible way," Ms Young explained.

"Over the coming months, we will honour our commitments to our partners and staff as the company goes through a period of winding down.

"We will continue to celebrate the people and projects that have been part of our journey.

"We will also work closely with partners to ensure a smooth transition and to honour the legacy of the work we have created together."

She added that "more information about our transition period will be shared in the coming months" and that they will be based at Porthi Dre.

"We cannot thank enough all those who have danced with us, collaborated with us, supported us, and believed in the power of community through dance.

"It has been a pure pleasure for us."

Response from the Arts Council

According to Mr Rhys, the decision "resonates with the findings of our recent dance review."

"We know the decision is a careful and thoughtful one," he said on behalf of the Arts Council.

"Dawns i Bawb has provided countless opportunities for people from all backgrounds, especially young people in the north, to express themselves through dance.

"They have been an excellent example of doing so through the medium of Welsh as well. Thanks to the organisation for its tremendous contribution over the years.

"Unfortunately, there is an end to the funding we have to distribute.

"The difficulties faced by Dawns i Bawb reflect the challenging situation and significant financial pressures on the arts sector."

Dafydd Rhys — Disgrifiad o’r llun, Yn ôl Mr Rhys, mae'r penderfyniad yn "atseinio canfyddiadau ein hadolygiad dawns diweddar"

Improving Arts Funding

Mr Rhys noted that the decision "echoes the findings of our recent dance review."

"The review proposed a comprehensive action plan to reimagine the dance sector in Wales and reinvest in it.

"Our new head of dance is collaborating with dance sector workers on short- and medium-term strategic interventions that will have the best impact on the sector."

He added that the council and partners will advocate for better arts funding, stating, "They mean so much to our communities."