The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including music, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. I am pleased that I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council in Budget 2017 amounting to an increase of €5 million, or 8%. This increase will enable the Council to enhance support to artists and arts organisations around the country, including those involved in jazz music, in line with its strategy statement, Making Great Art Work, which prioritises support for the artist and public engagement.
In addition, my Department, through Culture Ireland, provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers. I am pleased that I have increased the annual baseline funding for Culture Ireland from €2.5m in 2016 to €3.5m in 2017.
My Department also provides support for music through its funding of the Music Capital Scheme, which is delivered by Music Network .
In terms of infrastructure, earlier this year, I announced a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural to run over the next three years, focused on securing and enhancing our arts and culture infrastructure. The scheme will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces.
The closing date for receipt of applications was in September and applications received are now undergoing evaluation. Awards will be announced in the near future. I further understand that the National Concert Hall has considered the development of enhanced facilities which would incorporate jazz music. I anticipate that this will be considered further in the context of the overall master plan for the redevelopment of the Earlsfort Terrace complex, including the National Concert Hall (NCH), which is currently being prepared by the OPW in consultation with the NCH and my Department.
