We welcome the recognition of the contribution which arts and culture make not only to the economy, but to the health and wellbeing of all of our lives.
The additional funding will provide a much needed boost for the sector, as Northern Ireland rebuilds for the future following the devastating impact of Covid-19.
Our Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, welcomed the news:
“This announcement of crucial sector specific support is hugely welcome as we move towards the safe and phased re-opening of buildings in Northern Ireland. Also welcome is the recognition of the contribution which arts and culture make not only to the economy, but to the health and wellbeing of all of our lives.
“We look forward to working with the NI Government in the coming weeks and months to help feed into how we can begin to rebuild for a vibrant, resilient and fair music and creative sector.”
The huge part the arts play in all our lives has come into sharp focus
Speaking from the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, the minister explained how Covid-19 has put the value of arts and culture into such sharp focus, and how he plans to act moving forward:
“Today’s announcement of £4m additional Executive Funds to help arts and culture organisations recover and rebuild comes as we are beginning to move towards safe and phased re openings of libraries and museums.
“This pandemic has exposed the financial vulnerability of our arts and cultural organisations, many of whom are household names. As an immediate next step I intend to engage directly with organisations to agree the detail of how the funds might best be put to swift use.
“The huge part the arts play in all our lives has come into sharp focus through the closure of theatres, concert halls and other venues during this terrible pandemic and the cancellation of so many shows and arts programmes.
“And when arts and culture organisations suffer, so too does our economy. These organisations employ thousands of staff directly and indirectly, they attract tourists and help support our hospitality industry.
“In the coming weeks, I intend to widen the conversation about what kind of creative future we want here. I am encouraging performers, audiences, businesses, and political parties to join me in those conversations about a creative future that is fair and inspiring.”
Find out more on the department for communities website.
No Musician Left Behind
The announcement from Carál Ní Chuilín is great news for the arts sector in Northern Ireland, but we must keep the pressure up for the Government to provide vital financial support to the music industry across the UK.
Ask your MP to support a sector specific financial support package to protect our vital cultural assets – and the musicians who work in them.