Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
86. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is an expectation or obligation on recipients of funding from the Arts Council to promote and develop Irish based productions; and if a proportion of funding is allocated to theatres on this basis. [1676/19]
View answerThe Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under Section 24 of the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. This Plan describes the investment strategies, projects and programmes prioritises and sets out the achievements and milestones for this period. This strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers, by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, by the impact of the arts on the creative economy, and by the depth and breadth of people's engagement with the arts.
I am advised that recipients of Arts Council funding are based in Ireland or making or presenting work for Irish audiences. The majority of the work funded is developed in Ireland. Additionally, the Arts Council recognises the benefit to Irish audiences of experiencing work from overseas, and this is an integral part of the programmes of some festivals and venues. Funding to all organisations is based on the quality and impact of the individual programme or project proposed. No specific quotas or proportions are imposed.
