I'm not sure that I like the idea of 'greater degrees of innovation' (01-06 post) in that it suggest that 'growth', particularly accelerated growth, is a desirable thing. It is certainly the premise upon which our economies are based ('economic growth of GDP') but just as this premis is being proven detrimental to economic sustainability, so I believe that an artificially accelerated development of a traditional medium is detrimental to its long term prospects and general integrity.

Maybe competitions are the hydroponics/hothouses of traditional arts? And I know what choice I'd make between hot-house or vine-ripened tomatoes...

Re your last post, that's mega-complicated in Wales and is very much tied in with history, perception of 'self' (both as individuals and as a nation) and ... well, lots of stuff including language, religion, etc. No sound-bite answers, I'm afraid.


sian