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The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea
Hot off the BBC news:
More than 200 writers, artists and supporters of Swansea's Dylan Thomas Centre have signed a letter expressing concerns about its future use.
Dr Who writer Russell T Davies, Cerys Matthews and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy are among the names calling for it to be run by trust.
Swansea council is looking lease the centre to the city's universities to open a "creative industries hub."
It said the centre would not close and the permanent exhibition would remain.
The city is surely going to look a little bizarre, to put it mildly, in the eyes of the wider world if it is seen to have abandoned the Dylan Thomas Centre ~ Supporters' letter
The letter states since the centre was opened 17 years ago by former US president Jimmy Carter it had delivered a programme of literary and artistic events "unparalleled for its variety and excellence by any other arts venue in the United Kingdom".
It adds: "The centre has celebrated the literary arts of Wales, in addition to music, drama and the visual arts, and has attracted to Swansea a panoply of internationally renowned writers who, returning home, have burnished the renown of Swansea and Wales in all parts of the world."
The signatories, who also include Hollywood actor Michael Sheen, theatre director Michael Bogdanov and Thomas's son Colm, say with the 100th anniversary of the poet's birth in 2014 a trust would be the best way to safeguard its future.
"Plans are currently being laid, locally and nationally, for celebrations of the 100th anniversary," they added.
"The city is surely going to look a little bizarre, to put it mildly, in the eyes of the wider world if it is seen to have abandoned the Dylan ThomasCentre on the eve of this major national and international celebration."
Last year Swansea council and universities revealed plans to transform the centre into a "cultural and enterprise hub" for creative industries.
But in response to the letter the council said it was "making serious and significant preparations" for the anniversary with the Welsh Assembly Government and other partners.
"The Dylan Thomas Centre is not threatened with closure," said a spokesman.
"A joint venture alongside the University of Wales will allow us to secure its future during these difficult economic times when finance is limited.
We are working very closely with our partners to make sure that the Dylan Thomas exhibition is refreshed and improved ~ Spokesman Swansea council
"We are working very closely with our partners to make sure that the Dylan Thomas exhibition is refreshed and improved.
"The current proposal is that the exhibition will remain at the centre permanently although we are jointly working with the University of Wales on the fine detail.
The spokesman added that the centenary of Dylan Thomas' birth was a "fantastic opportunity for Swansea to celebrate his life and works".
Latest news today 4th April from West Wales writer Ann Davies :
There is a Petition available for signing and a click through to the Facebook Page for 'Liking'.
I'm not sure who the organisers are but I'm sure they would appreciate as much support as possible.
Thanks.
I'm in total agreement Jeff.
Thankfully it seems the DTC will not be scrapped.
There are always short-sighted individuals to be found in society Jeff, who are only concerned with the here and now. They have no thought whatsoever about the legacy they leave behind them, as long as they have easy lives. They have no thought for heritage and they don't care about the economic future either else they would be looking to help improve Swansea and Gower. If we don't make the area attractive to the youth of today they will not want to stay here to work and live, and visitors will not want to come here in their droves.*There will be some folk on Gower and in Swansea, who will be shaking a fist at that statement and saying, "we don't want more people on Gower, we want it to stay as it is, ... who needs more visitor attractions that celebrate our heritage, and who wants decent broadband speeds, we can manage without both".
I say, Isn't it our job to make things better for the generations that follow after our days?
Our national assets should be enhanced, improved and celebrated.
But, we also have to make Swansea and Gower competitive in the economic forum. We have to make sure the area and the infrastructure is supportive of business people, who are after all, contributing huge amounts of taxes to the kitty. And, in turn supporting lots of unemployed and retired folk. The area needs to be bursting with opportunity for young people so that they stay and add to the wealth of the region.
Thank goodness the jobs of those well trained, knowledgeable and friendly staff working at the DTC, have not been scrapped.
@SwanseaJack I know what you mean, and many, many people have voiced their view that it was a disaster when the council decided to remove the passenger railway. I found this interesting website which celebrates the world's first railway service , I think you'll enjoy reading it. Incidentally, this is what now runs along the sea front....
Two weeks ago as part of the Dylan Thomas Experience we were asked by Visit Wales to hoste 6 representatives from American tour companies. After arriving at the Dragon Hotel and signing in we took them straight to The Dylan Thomas Centre where we were greeted by Jo Furber who had kept the centre open just for us. This sort of asset to any town or city should never be underestimated and the thought of loosing the DT Cente is one of seriousconcern. This is thetime when Wales needs to promote itself on an international level more than ever and what better way to do that than with the use of an already set up, top notch establishment, with well trained, knowledgeable and friendly staff.
I was telling Mal Pope about you last night ... he's on Americymru but said he hadn't bumped into you ...yet! ;o))