The Arts Council today welcomed the announcement by the Government of funding to the agency for 2022 of €130 million, maintaining last year’s historic level of increase.
The government agency for funding and developing the arts said the investment would be used to support artists and arts organisations emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, and it will ensure that people right across the country can continue to engage with the arts in 2022 and beyond.
Arts Council Chair, Professor Kevin Rafter said:
“Today’s announcement is a clear signal that artists and arts organisations arts are central to the government’s national recovery plan. The sector has faced extraordinary challenges arising from the Covid-19 crisis but the €130m budget allocation will help the Arts Council protect jobs and livelihoods as well as help key arts organisations experiencing financial difficulties as they continue to deal with the crisis in 2022. On the cusp of the Arts Council’s 70th anniversary, the agency is poised to support and develop the potential of Ireland’s brilliant cohort of artists, arts workers and organisations”.
Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly said:
“People working within the arts have shown remarkable resilience, imagination and compassion during the pandemic. The return to presentation of work for the public is happening steadily and carefully and it is vital that we protect the sector as it emerges. With this increased investment, high quality work can be made and can reach the public safely. It will also help us ensure that people from all backgrounds in every part of the country will have the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts.”
The Arts Council will continue to work closely with The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Minister Catherine Martin, to ensure that the arts is central to Ireland’s journey beyond the Covid pandemic.
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