Arts Council of Wales


The Arts Council of Wales is a Welsh Government-sponsored body, responsible for funding and developing the arts in Wales.
in Cardiff
Established by Royal Charter in 1946, as the Welsh Arts Council, its English name was changed to the Arts Council of Wales when it was established by Royal Charter on 30 March 1994, upon its merger with the three Welsh regional arts associations. It became accountable to the National Assembly for Wales on 1 July 1999, when responsibility was transferred from the Secretary of State for Wales. The Welsh Government provides ACW with money to fund the arts in Wales. ACW also distributes National Lottery funding for the arts in Wales, allocated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The Arts Council of Wales is a registered charity under English law and has a board of trustees who meet six times a year, chaired by Phil George. Apart from the Chair, Council members are not paid; they are appointed by the Welsh Government. The Arts Council of Wales has offices in Colwyn Bay, Carmarthen and Cardiff. Nick Capaldi has been its chief executive since 2008.
The Arts Council partners with the National Eisteddfod of Wales to produce its annual "Y Lle Celf" exhibition of Welsh art, craft and design.