A dedicated culture bill should be introduced to protect and prioritise cultural opportunities.

Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Derek Walker has called for culture to be placed on a statutory footing to address what he describes as a sector in crisis.

Mr Walker said: "Without decisive action, we risk long-term damage to a sector that contributes £1.64 billion to our economy each year and supports 37,000 jobs.

"Culture is not just about performances and institutions.

"It is the stories, places and traditions that bind us together as a nation and shape how future generations understand what it means to be Welsh."

The commissioner is urging the next Welsh government to give culture the same legal protections as the Welsh language and active travel.

He warns that a 17 per cent decline in public funding since the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act was passed is threatening the cultural life that underpins Welsh identity, language and community cohesion.

He believes current trends risk creating a "two-tier" Wales, in which cultural opportunity is increasingly limited by geography and income.

His call follows the release of a Green Paper report by The Audience Agency, which highlights how sustained funding pressures have led to shrinking provision, job insecurity and reduced access to cultural activity across Wales.

Jane Richardson, chief executive of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, supported the idea of a Culture Act.

Ms Richardson said: "A Culture Act isn’t about protecting institutions of Wales.

"It’s about safeguarding the cultural access and enjoyment of Wales within the context of future generations."

Mr Walker is encouraging public bodies, cultural organisations, businesses and communities to respond to the findings in the Green Paper and contribute to shaping proposals for a future Culture Bill.

Submissions are open until April 1.

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