Ms Anna Walsh:

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and members of the committee for the opportunity to address them today. Theatre Forum is the national resource organisation for the performing arts with member arts centres, production companies, freelance artists and arts workers all over the country. Arts centres and venues are where the work of our members overlaps with and supports the work of local and community arts organisations, many of whom are represented here today.

By 2040, future generations in this country will require enhanced cultural and social amenities, regional connectivity and improved environmental sustainability. Achieving the national development plan’s aim of having vibrant communities right across the country will depend in no small way on maintaining the built arts infrastructure that supports the good work of the amateur community and voluntary arts organisations that are talking with us today.

Historical capital investment in a nationwide network of arts centres has been key to developing the arts in Irish localities. Every local authority arts office, co-operating with their Department, the County and City Management Association, CCMA, and council agendas, prepares its arts plan and works to support artists and co-create, co-produce and co-present art and arts events in its locality. This programme investment responds to the rights of people in every community to enjoy and participate in the arts, which reaps artistic, civic and social benefits. However, the result is a mixed-funding ecology, with each authority having its own governance, financial and management relationship with the arts centres in its area. Theatre Forum asks the committee whether the capital programme funding structures, which require frequent and often multiple applications in any one year, could be made more efficient and co-ordinated.