Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
365. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the supports available to circuses in terms of capital and other grants; if she will consider further supports for this cultural and entertainment industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July, I announced a range of capital funding measures to assist in the re-opening of arts and culture venues, including circuses. 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 COVID-19 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.
In addition to capital funding available from my Department, Circus, Street Arts and Spectacle is one of the art forms supported by the Arts Council. Funding schemes are being announced by the Council on an ongoing basis on its funding page http://www.artscouncil.ie/available-funding/.
