Ms Áine Crowley:

We manage the artist in the community scheme on a devolved basis for the Arts Council. That funding is also available to artists who may have a disability. Over the past couple of years, through the council's human rights, equality and diversity policy, we have been gathering more statistics, and we are starting to see the numbers of artists coming to the scheme who may have a disability. We have stronger background information on artists who are collaborating with communities and who identify as having a disability.

Regarding points of access to funding for artists, it is not just about the making of the work or accessing buildings. There are many points of entry. How do artists get to the table to access funding? Someone might be neurodivergent. Written formats do not work for everybody. We see this throughout our work and with this intersectional lens. We work with artists who may speak English as a second language. How can artists write in their first language and have it translated so that it is comparable for panels? How do we change application processes so that artists may, instead of a written application, have the opportunity to meet the panel? All of this have to consider barriers in accessing funding. Getting to the table is one point. An artist might need a personal assistant in the making of artwork. How do we support that? These conversations are opening up. It is taking time. We work closely with ADI to determine what the best advice we can give to the Arts Council is. We know it is already rolling out such supports.

It is not about the venues; it is about how the artists get to the table to get their application reviewed by a panel and how they make the work or get it supported. They may need additional assistance or mentorship, which is not necessarily covered by the funding. We have seen similar challenges where artists have been funded and the lump sum has caused an issue with Revenue. There are layers here, extending to when artists are in a venue with their community, and barriers remain.