Presiding Officer backs Romani community arts project - Wales

From the National Assembly For Wales

The National Assembly for Wales’s Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, will attend the Romani Cultural and Arts Company’s SHINE Exhibition.

The exhibition will be launched at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Newport, on 24 June and aims to stimulate discussion and participation amongst the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community; the wider community, and the arts community.

In a speech at the launch, the Presiding Officer will outline how the project can achieve the wider aims of breaking down barriers and helping organisations like the Assembly to better understand the hopes and aspirations of the diverse communities of Wales.

“As Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, I am proud to represent a culturally diverse population,” said Mrs Butler.

“The Assembly represents all of the people of Wales and is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to the Assembly and the work of Assembly Members.

“We value equality and diversity, not because we have to, but because we recognise it as the right thing to do.

“Listening to a broad range of experiences and viewpoints will help us to better represent the people of Wales, to make better laws and help us to make sure that the Welsh Government considers equality in its work.

“Part of that process is supporting community projects such as the SHINE exhibition. It demonstrates how Roma art and visual culture can be celebrated by a wider, mainstream audience.

“Essentially it fits the Assembly’s broader message of inclusivity and I am more than delighted to represent the Assembly at this event.”