In March 2021, the Arts Council, in conjunction with EY, carried out research on recent digital activity by individuals and organisations funded by us and their plans for the future.

1,858 individuals and organisation that received funding from the Arts Council in 2020 were invited to respond to the survey with 860 responding.

The research shows there has been an extensive increase in digital artistic activity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by individuals and arts organisations funded by the Arts Council and that there is significant appetite to build on the positive learning and outcomes experienced during this time.

The research is accompanied by a series of case studies focusing on projects and programmes of work that demonstrate the future potential of digital artistic activities.

2019 compared to 2020

The level of digital artistic activity among individuals and organisations increased significantly from 2019 to 2020. 

Spend

There has been a significant increase from 2019 to 2020 in the level of funding dedicated to digital artistic activities by Arts Council funded individuals and organisations.

Supports

Training and upskilling are imperative to achieve the full potential of digital within the arts sector. Methods used by individuals and organisations to raise skill levels in the past are shown below. The option highlighted in yellow indicates support provided by the Arts Council.

National picture

In 2020, 60% of those Arts Council funded individuals and organisations that completed digital artistic activities were based outside of Dublin. The graph below reflects the number of Arts Council funded individuals and organisations in each county who carried out digital artistic activities in 2020.

Planning for the future 

83% of respondents are keen to acquire more digital skills to assist them in their artistic activities and have prioritised the following range of supports