Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan 2023–2028
In August 2023, we launched our new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan 2023–2028,
as a commitment to our ongoing journey to help create a more inclusive arts community.
The Implementation Plan consists of six key actions that address areas requiring development. These are:
- that Arts Council definitions of the artforms and practices supported can be more inclusive;
- that our funding model can be more accessible;
- that EDI integration of our working practices and of our support for and engagement with the arts sector can be improved;
- that our knowledge on barriers to participation and inconsistent approaches to communications and outreach can be developed;
- and that we will continuously monitor and evaluate EDI initiatives.
The development of this plan marks the Arts Council’s continued commitment to eradicating barriers that prevent full access and participation in the arts in Ireland.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy
In 2019, we published our Equality, Human Rights and Diversity (EHRD) Policy and Strategy.
The policy is designed to build on a range of existing Arts Council work areas, including an Arts and Disability policy, a Cultural Diversity and the Arts policy and a Dignity at Work policy.
Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly and artist Amanda Coogan outline the policy’s key areas
As the agency tasked with the development of the arts in Ireland, it is crucial that the Arts Council takes a proactive and focused approach to guaranteeing a basic human right: ensuring that everyone who lives in Ireland has the opportunity to engage
with, and participate in the arts.
In publishing our Equality, Human Rights and Diversity Policy and Strategy we have committed to taking actions over the course of the coming years to actively deepen our understanding of inequalities in the arts and develop substantive ways to address
them.
We recognise that our policy must be embedded from the outset in our own institutional structure and practice and we will work towards ensuring that our board, staff, advisers and panellists, best reflect and represent the diversity of contemporary Ireland.
Diversity is a core organisational value in the Arts Council’s 10-year strategy to 2025, Making Great Art Work , centred
on respecting diversity of artistic practice, of public engagement, and of social and cultural traditions. This core value attests to the organisation’s commitment to and appreciation of the value of diversity.
A condensed version of the policy is available in the following languages:
Other versions:
Research and resources
Our research and resources page outlines key initiatives and reports conducted in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion, which you can access here: Research and Resources.
In May 2022, we published our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit, which supports organisations in implementing positive policy measures to promote equality of opportunity, access and outcomes for everyone living in Ireland. You can read more
about the toolkit and download a copy here: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit
Each year, we publish statistical information on individuals applying for and receiving Arts Council funding, broken down by gender, disability and ethnicity. Read more the latest annual report here: Equality Data and Arts Council Awards
Contact Us
For Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy enquiries, contact: