Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
357. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports or grant aid in place for the ongoing costs and expenses necessary for the maintenance and upkeep of a community arts centre, that is, insurance, energy costs and so on, in which no revenue is coming in due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26966/20]
View answerPrimary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003. The Arts Council, operates within a published 10 year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work.
The Arts Council provides funding to local authorities, supporting the programmes of Arts Offices in each local authority, as well funding a range of other initiatives, events and festivals which are carried out in partnership with local authorities and artists in every local authority area. A number of community arts centres may be eligible to apply for funding schemes through their local authorities.
In July, I announced a range of capital funding measures to assist in the re-opening of arts and culture venues. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning to venues to reopen in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening and Return to Work Safety Protocols. There is a high degree of flexibility that will allow organisations to undertake necessary capital adaptations to their facilities so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures.
Organisations that hold existing capital grants may immediately request the re-purposing of all or part of the grant towards necessary works and equipment to allow reopening. Organisations can apply to re-purpose up to €10,000 of their grant which can be used to fund eligible costs at a 90% funding rate or up to €5,000 which will not require match funding. Repurposed funding required for the original purpose of the grant will be restored when required at a later date.
Organisations that do not hold a capital grant, can apply for funding under Stream D Cultural Capital Scheme of up to €10,000. The scheme applies for the period of the coronavirus crisis and applications can be made by organisations at any point throughout the crisis. Details of this scheme are available on my Department’s website.
