Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
928. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to correspondence addressed to An Taoiseach regarding arts and culture funding from a fund (details supplied); if the issues and concerns addressed in same will receive a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13623/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I received a copy of the correspondence addressed to the Taoiseach to which the Deputy refers. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Expert Advisory Group appointed by the Arts Council has now completed its Report which has been sent to my Department. The Arts Council has published the Report and it is available at this link-
http://www.artscouncil.ie/uploadedFiles/Survive%20Adapt%20Renew_A%20response%20to%20the%20Covid-19%20crisis%20for%20the%20Arts%20in%20Ireland.pdf
As the correspondence notes, a significant additional allocation of €20 million for the Arts Council was announced by Government, bringing the Council's allocation this year to €100 million. The additional funding will address immediate priorities to assist with unique challenges faced by the arts, as our society and economy reopens. Artists and arts organisations will be supported to continue to create art and innovate. In the Report entitled Survive, Adapt, Renew, the Arts Council gives details on how it will allocate the new funding, including new bursaries and commissions to support freelance artists and those looking to develop projects on a collaborative basis.
My Department will continue to engage with the Arts Council on the recommendations set out in the Report of the Expert Advisory Goup.
