Ms Maria Fleming:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to address the long-term vision for the media sector. The National Campaign for the Arts is a volunteer-led, grassroots movement that makes the case for the arts in Ireland. We work to ensure that the arts are on national and local government agendas and are recognised as a vital part of contemporary Irish life.

Many of Ireland’s 55,000 artists and arts workers work directly or indirectly in the media sector through television, film, animation, radio and online platforms. We wish to see policy and decision-making that creates opportunities for diverse practitioners from all backgrounds to make their art for the enjoyment and participation of all. At the commission’s fifth thematic dialogue, my predecessor, Angela Dorgan, outlined a number of points related to the sustainability of the sector. We emphasised the need for increased coverage of the arts and culture across all media, increased commissioning and presentation of Irish arts and culture by media, and increased collaboration between the arts and cultural sector and the media sector. Angela also outlined how the NCFA strongly believes that the arts should be given parity with sport in coverage across all media.

The National Campaign for the Arts, NCFA, published a pre-budget submission with a ten-point plan which forms the basis of our campaign. We believe implementing the solutions in our ten-point plan would secure the far-reaching positive impacts the arts provide in many areas in Ireland. If members of the committee have not already read the pre-budget submission, I would love if they took the time to look at these points, since they directly impact on the issues addressed today and many other issues that come before this committee.

Today, I would like to identify the areas of our ten-point campaign that align with the future business model plans and long-term vision for the media sector. Firstly, we call for further investment in the arts in line with recommendations in the report of the Future of Media Commission to support and empower independent producers to realise their creative and commercial ambitions. NCFA would like to see further investment in the independent audiovisual sector, which delivers world class Irish television and film. As Ms Glennane alluded to, we only have to look at the Oscar nominations to see how the Irish film sector can flourish when it is nourished. We are seeking to ensure there are more new commissions, fairer terms on usage contracts for existing work with broadcasting networks, a wider focus on new media and more nationally focused media commissions.

Second, we campaign to bring Irish arts to the world and we would like, as recommended by the commission, for any future media business model to address opportunities for access to global audiences. Irish culture is appreciated in many jurisdictions and it is of great benefit to Irish artists. Our artists are in increasing demand abroad, following years of intelligent showcasing by Culture Ireland and we advocate for this funding.

A vital campaign issue for the National Campaign for the Arts is the current climate emergency. No future plans in any sector can afford to ignore the climate emergency and we urge that sustainable working practices be incorporated in any future business model.

As has been frequently raised in previous debates on this issue, there is a lack of diversity and representation in Irish media. We echo the calls from under-represented sections of society for diversity and representation to be central to any future model. The NCFA calls for the removal of barriers for disabled arts workers. Systemic barriers prevent disabled artists and arts workers from equal participation in the arts.

In line with our ten-point plan for the arts, we are looking for all sectors to support adequate research in the arts, which will allow for better planning. We would like to see the establishment of a research section within the Department to ensure the coherence of a research strategy across all funding bodies. I thank members for their time.