City arts venue Le Public Space praised in the Assembly

Le Pub opened in Caxton Place in 1992 and became seen as one of city's top live music venues. In 2017 it rebranded as Le Public Space and moved to High Street, with the new site including room for creative products, an art gallery, rehearsal rooms, office space and small cinema.

Speaking in the Assembly this week, Newport West AM Jayne Bryant praised it as "a fantastic example of an independent venue" and called for more support for similar, independently-run venues.

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Addressing Trefnydd - the Assembly's business manager - Rebecca Evans, Ms Bryant said: "These venues give artists their first experience of playing to live audiences, and they're the backbone of the live music scene.

"Newport's Le Public Space is a music and arts centre based in the heart of the city centre and it's the largest independent space in the city for creative arts."

The Labour AM was speaking as part of this week's Independent Venue Week.

She added: "Since it opened in 2017, Le Public Space have put on a full programme of live music, arts, comedy and are currently developing plans to expand.

"It's run by the inspirational Sam Dabb, and with the support of a dedicated board, the venues are a not-for-profit community benefit society run by the community for the community.

Newport West AM Jayne Bryant

"Their mission is to provide a vibrant arts space that is open to all and everyone involved with work to encourage diversity and to connect existing and new audiences with outstanding live music, art and cinema.

"So, could we have a statement on what Welsh Government can do to support local independent venues across Wales?"

Ms Evans replied: "Grassroots music venues are a crucial part of our talent pipeline here in Wales in terms of the music industry.

"I think Le Public Space is a perfect example of how these businesses can not only adapt, but also thrive as well in quite challenging circumstances.

"But also, it really contributes to the cultural life of our urban areas as well in giving Welsh talent their first opportunity to access their first audiences as well."

Trefnydd Rebecca Evans

She added a group of creative industry officials are currently working on a project mapping independent venues across Wales, looking at their accessibility by public transport and impact on the local economy, while making recommendations for potential improvements which the Welsh Government could make to support these businesses.