Arts Council urges Sector to respond to Arts Budget 2006-08 Consultation The Draft Priorities and Budget 2006-2008, published by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP on October 25 th, will have a direct impact on the future of arts provision in Northern Ireland. The proposed spending plans for the next two years have been published for consultation, and your views and responses are invited. The consultation period closes on December 5 th 2005. The Arts Council fully endorses the Secretary of States’ wish to deliver a “world class Northern Ireland”. However, the important contribution made by the arts to the social, cultural and economic prosperity of the region is poorly reflected in the proposed spending plans. Northern Ireland will continue to have the lowest levels of per capita spending on the arts throughout the United Kingdom, which directly affects the ability to deliver frontline arts services to the people of Northern Ireland. Projected annual arts budgets across the UK for 2006-2007:
*NB: these figures are projections only at this stage. The Arts Council will continue to lobby Government on your behalf to rethink its spending priorities and give due acknowledgement to the important role of the arts. However, to maximise the impact of our endeavours, we would urge artists and arts/cultural organisations in Northern Ireland to read the consultation document carefully and to respond. The proposals can be viewed online at www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk. We would also encourage you to attend one of the public consultations being held across Northern Ireland to help inform the process. Before attending, please check dates, times and availability by e-mailing pfgbudget@nics.gov.uk or by telephoning 028 9127 7688. Wednesday 16 November – Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen (9am-1pm) Your comments on the Draft Priorities and Budget 2006-2008 should be sent to arrive no later than December 5 th to: Priorities and Budget Consultation S1, New Building, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor BT19 7NA Consequences of arts budget - fact sheet available in Rich Text or PDF You can also comment directly via the website, www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk
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