Michael Ring
Question:503 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will recognise and name dance and choreography as distinct art forms in their own right. [11269/02]
Written Answers. - Performing Arts.
The Arts Bill, published on 10 April, proposes that "arts" be defined as "any creative or interpretative expression (whether traditional or contemporary) in whatever form, and includes, in particular, visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film and architecture, and includes any medium when used for those purposes".
Conor Lenihan
Question:504 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will examine the way in which professional dancers (details supplied) might be better supported by her Department. [11317/02]
The Deputy's question deals, inter alia, with the recognition of dance and choreography as an art form in its own right. I wish to inform him that the Arts Bill, published on 10 April, proposes that “arts” be defined as “any creative or interpretative expression (whether traditional or contemporary) in whatever form, and includes, in particular, visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film and architecture, and includes any medium when used for those purposes”.
State support for the arts is channelled through the Arts Council, which is autonomous in the allocation of its resources. The Arts Plan 2002-2006 prepared by the Arts Council and recently endorsed by the Government identifies as a priority the promotion of dance as a vibrant and enjoyable art form. The Deputy may wish to note that any queries relating to tax exemptions for artists should be addressed to the Revenue Commissioners in the first instance. The question of the amendment of legislation on tax exemption is a matter for Department of Finance.