Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2020
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Covid-19 grant assistance is available for a group (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30839/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July I announced the opening of Stream D of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Under this Scheme, capital funding is provided to assist in the re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues as part of Project Ireland 2040 - Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage. 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 Society & Business and Return to Work Safety Protocols. There is a high degree of flexibility which will allow organisations to undertake necessary capital adaptations to their buildings so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures.
Not-for-profit organisations with a clearly defined arts and cultural remit can apply for Stream D. Eligible facilities include galleries, professionally-managed arts centres, museums, heritage centres, studios, archives, performance and creative spaces. The following are the features of the scheme:-
- Organisations can apply for a grant of €10,000 which can be used to fund eligible costs at a 90% funding rate;
- Alternatively organisations can apply for a grant of €5,000 which will not require match funding;
- All grants will be paid out on the basis of paid invoices;
- In exceptional circumstances, the upper limit of €10,000 may be exceeded where a compelling case can be made for a higher grant and these will be dealt with on a case by case basis;
- The scheme will apply for the period of the coronavirus crisis, commencing 12 March 2020 and applications can be made by organisations at any point throughout the crisis i.e. there will be no closing date;
- Applications will be assessed and decisions made as they are received by the Arts, Film and Investment Unit of the Department. The target turnaround time to repurpose grants will be 3 days and a target of 14 days for new grants;
- Applications will not be accepted from commercial organisations, local authorities, schools, colleges or ETBs;
If the organisation to which the Deputy refers meets the criteria above, it can apply on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/grants-and-funding/. Applications should be emailed to artscapitalunit@chg.gov.ie.
The organisation may be eligible for grants from the Department of Rural and Community Development or indeed its relevant local authority.
