Ms Anna Walsh:

The financial model of arts centres and theatres around the country was severely damaged during Covid because, previously, the balance of Arts Council, local authority and earned income from box office was reasonably at a break-even level for most arts centres around the country. A drop-off in box office income and a huge increase in costs has affected that income and made it unsustainable for the future.

There are serious challenges facing existing art centres unless the financial model is completely changed. The expectation and potential around box office income, in addition to the other funding awarded by the Arts Council, the local authorities, etc., in smaller and smaller population centres is part of this challenge.

Perhaps what is more important is looking at the potential to connect, through public transport, some of those towns, villages and places with existing and upgraded art centres in their localities, bearing in mind that there are now many counties and local authority areas with one, two and possibly three arts centres in them. A more imaginative look at public transport connections, therefore, around show times and into the evening might be a better and more sustainable solution than more buildings, because the buildings-----