Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which opportunities continue to exist for philanthropists to engage in and support the arts nationally and locally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Arts Council, which is funded by my Department, is the body responsible for delivering primary support for the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council supports and develops the arts in Ireland through grant funding, project awards, support to individual artists, and support to venues, publications and resource organisations. The Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
The Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland. Many arts organisations have benefited from and continue to benefit as a result of the RAISE initiative.
Funding for the Arts Council was increased to €130 million in 2021, again in 2022 and I am now delighted to state that I have secured this level again for 2023.
Private support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills. I also recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts, which my Department also supports.
