The allocation to the Arts Council in 2021 is €130m, an increase of €50m on the initial Budget 2020 allocation of €80m and an increase of €25m on the 2020 Further Revised Estimate allocation of €105m. The increase reflects Government's acknowledgement of the important role that arts and culture play in our economy and society and recognises the devastating impact COVID-19 restrictions have had on the sector. The Government has also allocated €50m for supports for live entertainment in light of the challenges facing that sector, in addition to broader economy wide supports such as Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Since the onset of COVID-19, the Arts Council has extended its reach and in 2020 has provided grants to many individuals and organisations that have not previously receive Arts Council funding. Among the measures delivered as a result of the extra funding are new and additional bursaries and commissions from the Arts Council, including supports for freelance artists and those looking to develop projects on a collaborative basis. Arts Council funding in 2020 has therefore reached organisations and individuals never before funded by the Council and I understand that 2021 will see the continuance of some schemes which will have relevance for the wider arts sector.
While I have authority to give policy direction to the Arts Council, I am also bound to recognise the statutory independence of the Arts Council in its funding decisions and accordingly, I have no plans at present to direct the Arts Council as proposed by the Deputy.
