The Arts Council today welcomes the announcement of €134M funding as part of Budget 2024. This funding enables the Arts Council to continue its investment in the arts and provide meaningful support to the sector in the coming year. The Council will, however, fall short in terms of meeting unprecedented demand within a thriving arts sector.
Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council, said:
"The increase in public investment in the arts in recent years is hugely welcomed. When I was appointed Chair in 2019 the Arts Council's budget was €75m and following today's budget it will be €134M next year. While the figure for 2024 is at the lower end of what had been sought to address increased costs in the arts sector, it is still a positive acknowledgement of the work of artists, arts workers and arts organisations throughout the country."
Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said:
"Both Minister Martin and An Taoiseach have shown their commitment to the development of the arts in Ireland in previous budgets. We are on the cusp of an explosion in the arts in Ireland and have witnessed the fruit of investment in arts development, with Irish artists featuring regularly in international awards and shortlists. We work to support more people to make excellent art and to participate in Ireland’s artistic life, no matter where they live or who they are. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government as we drive towards this vision.”
The Arts Council works closely with The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Minister Catherine Martin, to place the arts at the heart of Irish life. The social impact that art, in any form, has on the people of Ireland cannot be underestimated. The Arts Council strives to support excellence for the widest population.
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