James Leonard
Question:31 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, he has made in promoting North-South co-operation through the arts since the publication of his 1995-1997 Arts Plan. [5758/96]
Written Answers. - North-South Co-operation.
An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland are currently providing joint funding to in excess of 50 arts organisations. This funding is in respect of organisations working in the areas of the visual arts, literature, traditional arts, music and drama. Estimated expenditure on these projects in 1996 will be some £1.358 million by An Chomhairle Ealaíon and some £518,000 by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
The two councils also co-fund an arts co-operation officer whose principal remit at present is to encourage North-South touring by arts organisations.
The Deputy should also be aware that there is significant participation by artists from Northern Ireland in "“L'Imaginaire Irlandais”, the major festival of contemporary Irish art and culture being mounted in France from now until August next.