There is an old Welsh saying: "Nerth gwlad, ei gwybodaeth, the strength of a nation is its knowledge." Museums and galleries are central to the nation, and when they are threatened, we are threatened.
It's not hyperbole to say that if the National Museum, Cardiff closes it will be a tragedy. At the very least big job losses are coming down the track for Wales' National museums, at worst there will be closure for some real cultural gems.
In Higher Education we are seeing Universities ending a swathe of courses in the humanities - in philosophy, anthropology, journalism and the arts more widely. Big job losses at my old University, University of Kent as well as institutions like Goldsmiths University in London. Many more Higher Education providers are under pressure to make cuts too.
In recent years there has been lots of debate about the role of the museum, particularly the British museum where artifacts were stolen from lands far and wide. In Wales's case, our National Museums are places of living history, of cultural preserve and places to celebrate art old and new. They are places to escape to, relax in and enjoy. They are places to commune with the past and imagine the sort of world we would like to see in the future.
A couple of weeks ago I saw a loaned self portrait of Vincent van Gogh. For the museums more widely, Saint Fagan's is a place close to my heart - it's where my partner and I sat under an ancient oak talking about life, and it's where our relationship really started to flourish. It's the place I take all my friends and family to when they visit. It's uniquely Welsh, it's essential to understanding Wales and it's history.
Over its history Wales has often been the victim of machinations from across the border in England. Its language, its natural resources, autonomy and people have often been exploited for the glory of others.
I ask this to the people who say there isn't enough money for the arts, for culture, heritage and the humanities. Who writes the books you read? Who created that painting on your study wall? Who designs and inspired the expensive clothes you wear? Who trained the artist that performs on stage whilst you watch from your box at the opera? Who makes the films and television shows you binge watch at home?
These things don't just magic themselves out of nowhere. They are made, and crafted, designed and brought to life by creative professionals who love what they do. They are not made by the free market, enterprise or through trade and boardroom deals - they are made by artists, thinkers, philosophers, dancers, writers, makers, poets, actors, directors, designers, and preserved by historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, conservationists and museum workers.
Cuts like this should scare us. Cuts like this should shock us and make us angry. We should do everything we can to preserve museums. If we lose them, they are gone forever.
Founder at Appraisal Scribe
3moThank you!