“Cultural vandalism”- Welsh Lib Dems urge Welsh government to save National museum

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to ensure that the National museum of Wales will not be forced to close.

Over the weekend, the chief executive of Museum Wales Jane Richardson announced that at least 90 jobs will have to be axed following a reduction in funding.

Ms Richardson also warned that the National Museum in Cardiff may also be forced to close because of its deteriorating condition.

Commenting, the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Cardiff East Rodney Berman said:

“It would be nothing less than scandalous cultural vandalism if Welsh Government allows the National Museum of Wales to shut.

We cannot allow ourselves to have a scenario where we have a capital city without a cultural centre where we can rightfully express Wales heritage and history.

Welsh Labour cannot be allowed to wage a cultural war against this country in the interest of curbing costs. For far too long now the arts and culture have been forced to take a backseat when it comes to prioritise over government funding.”

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“It is deeply troubling that there is a real possibility that we here in Wales will be without a national museum soon.

We as a country rightfully pride ourselves on our rich cultural history, and buildings like the National Museum in Cardiff allow us to celebrate this with the rest of the world.

To allow the closing of such a culturally significant building would be nothing short of a national disgrace from the Welsh Government, who have so far failed to show any real desire to safeguard Wales heritage and history.

We must find a way to stop this devasting closure and to preserve the museum in the long-term so that future generations are able to experience Wales cultural heritage.”