Arts Council statement regarding meeting with Deputy First Minister

16/01/2008

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland met with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on Monday
14th January to reinforce the case for increased funding for the arts in Northern Ireland.

Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, “The Arts Council was warmly welcomed by the Deputy First Minister. We reiterated the intrinsic value of the arts to society, and the vital role they play in social and economic re-generation. We also stressed the implications for artists, arts organisations and local communities in Northern Ireland if the proposed draft budget allocation remained unchanged.

The Arts Council has been steadfast in making its compelling case to government over recent months, and we noted the coherent supporting voice from the sector through the Keep Our Arts Alive campaign. We also expressed appreciation for the supporting vote from all the main political parties in the Assembly on 9 October 2007.

We drew attention to the fact that two thirds of the total Consultation Responses on the web-site support increased funding for the arts, and noted the dominant voice of the arts representation at each of the budget consultation meetings, and the strong media coverage generated by the rally at Stormont.

The meeting was hospitable and constructive, and the Minister was receptive to the arguments around funding issues, and the adverse impact the proposed draft budget would have on artistic and cultural endeavours across Northern Ireland.”

To visit the Arts Council's 'Campaigning for the Arts' pages click here