James Browne
Ceist:64. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to fund arts projects in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24055/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 June 2019
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement.
Under Pillar 2 - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme, in 2019, my Department allocated a sum of €2m and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government allocated a sum of €1m to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county.
Projects funded include arts projects, grant schemes, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, outreach projects, publications, research programmes, and workshops among other activities. They cover topics such as archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, dance, film, history, literature, music, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts.
Wexford County Council have been allocated €96,000 in this context and are developing a range of programmes and initiatives across the county. Some examples include the Chime Bar Sculpture project, Moving Images and Moving Under Skies Projects.
In addition to this funding, €15k has been allocated to Wexford County Council for the implementation of Cruinniú na nÓg - the national day of creativity for children and young people which is taking place across the country on 15th June 2019. Key highlights include Nutty Scientist Creative Workshops, Collaborative Art Workshops and Move Maker Workshops. Details of the full programme can be accessed through the following link https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/wexford/
It should also be noted that under the recent Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-201, Wexford County Council were successful and were allocated up to €1m towards an enhancement and development project at Wexford Arts Centre.
In addition to significant annual funding from the Arts Council to Wexford Opera Festival amounting to €1.45 million in 2019, my Department has provided capital grants to the Festival for work to the National Opera House. A total of €150,000 was paid in 2018 with a further grant of €1m allocated.