Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
1102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the Arts Council survey of artists and the report on the impact of Covid-19 on Irish artists which she received in April 2020 from the Arts Council; the urgent action she plans to take on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/20]
View answerThe Arts Council had undertaken surveys of arts organisations and artists to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on audiences, employment and finances.
The Arts Council has published the results of the surveys on its website. They are available at the following link www.artscouncil.ie/publications/?&Year=2020#search. Among the findings to emerge from the surveys was the cancellation of 12,000 events with projected audiences of 2.4 million, with 90% of artists and 85% of arts organisations affected by cancelled or postponed events.
In light of these findings, and a widespread consultation with sectoral stakeholders, the Taoiseach and I today announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. The funding will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations, and resources for museums and culture workers as they prepare for the re-opening of society. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.
A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.
