Arts council grant cut could spell an end to all that jazz.

Byline: Katie Bodinger

A JAZZ group may have to fold if funding is withdrawn.

The Arts Council of Wales awards the Welsh Jazz Society around pounds 50,000 annually but now wants to end its financial support for the Cardiff-based charity.

The society, which supports Wales-based jazz artists and helps put on gigs, has warned it may close if its funding stops.

Jazz musicians said the organisation provided a lifeline for musicians and volunteer promoters, which would be severed if arts council support ended.

Pleas to support the group have been made by Welsh saxophonist Osian Roberts, singer Tina May, who studied at University College, Cardiff, and American performer Dr Nathan Davies.

Osian said: "I am one of many, many young musicians who've benefited immeasurably from the encouragement given by the society, which is why I feel very strongly that getting rid of it would leave a huge vacuum in Wales' jazz scene."

The society was founded in 1978 and former presidents include musician Humphrey Lyttelton, who hosts BBC Radio 4 programme I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.

As well as putting on events at Cafe Jazz in St Mary Street, Cardiff, the society employs a full-time administrator to help sustain interest in jazz nationwide by supporting musicians and volunteer promoters.

It stages events at venues including St David's Hall, supports smaller jazz groups across Wales, produces regular newsletters and has a well-used website.

It is now a waiting the outcome of its appeal against the withdrawal and chairman Monty Coffin is prepared to take the matter to the Ombudsman if the appeal is rejected.

"We are just hoping they see sense," he said. "This would put a question mark as to whether we could carry on."

Trumpet player Chris Hodgkins is one of the society's founding trustees and is now director for UK-wide body Jazz Services, supported by the Arts Council of England.

Offices for Jazz Services' magazine Jazz UK are above the society's base in Castle Arcade, Cardiff, but may move elsewhere if the group folds.

Chris said: "The Arts Council of Wales' decision is so badly thought through, it's shambolic. They haven't even consulted with us."

The Arts Council is reviewing its funding for six organisations including the society. A spokeswoman would not confirm the identities of the organisations under threat until after the appeals process.

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