The Association was formed in 1982. Prior to that an organisation existed called the Standing Conference of Welsh Arts Centres and Companies. This was primarily a talking shop and it was felt that a different, more purposeful, group was needed. WAPA therefore came into being with a specific aim of campaigning and lobbying on behalf of its members who include almost all the professional producing companies in Wales. The Association is run by a voluntary Executive committee of eight, elected from the membership, every two years. The Current Executive members have specific areas of responsibility and are:
Executive:
| Chris Ryde (Equity) Chair | cryde@cardiff-equity.org.uk |
| Janek Alexander (Chapter Arts Centre) | janek.alexander@chapter.org |
| Val Hill (Hijinx Theatre) | val.hill@hijinx.org.uk |
| Janet Huxtable (Theatr Na’Nog) Treasurer | janet@theatre-nanog.co.uk |
| Mai Jones (Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru) | mai@theatr.com |
| Margaret Jones (Sherman Cymru) | margaret.jones@shermancymru.co.uk |
| Sandra Jones (Spectacle Theatre) | sandra.jones@spectacletheatre.co.uk |
| Nia Wyn (Arad Goch) Chair, Welsh Language Committee | nia.wyn@aradgoch.org |
The only permanent Committee is the Welsh Language Committee. The current Chair is Nia Wyn. All other working parties or Committees are ad hoc.