Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
530. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the levels of support, including financial, provided by his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department to amateur theatre and amateur musical theatre in Ireland in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/25]
View answer532. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on actions taken by his Department in response to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media Report on the Development of Local and Community Arts published on 11 July 2024. [2460/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 532 together.
The recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report on 'The Development of Local and Community Arts' broadly align in many instances with policies and programmes in place in my Department in relation to areas such as local arts infrastructure, disability, and arts and health. These are also reflected in the newly agreed Programme for Government.
My Department support the arts at amateur and professional levels in a range of ways:
• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• This year, Culture Ireland has been allocated €8m to support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage.
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy supports development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages.
• Capital grants are available to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments for non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding supports the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as St Patrick’s Festival and Other Voices, that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme, with funding of up to €5,000 is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that are not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets oversea.
• Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sectors.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-years investment Strategy - Making Great Art Work.
Arts participation is a core value across all areas of the Arts Council's work and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland. The Council provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.
The Arts Council invests funding in a range of developmental projects including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night, and towards the Arts Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plans. Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website.
In Budget 2025 €140m has been allocated to the Arts Council.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided by local authorities and the Arts Council.
Arts centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement.
I will continue to review the recommendations set out in the Committee's report in the context of the implementation of the Programme for Government.
