Ms Monika Sapielak:

I thank the honourable members for inviting me to address this esteemed committee today. I would like to discuss the importance of providing resources for supporting the integration and showcasing the talent of migrant artists as a vital part of developing local and community arts.

Embarking on an artistic career is a challenging endeavour with artists often facing precarious existences. Being a migrant artist only amplifies these difficulties. Many Irish writers and artists who had to leave the country to pursue their creative careers abroad can testify to this at first hand. At the same time, cultural vibrancy and creativity are the lifeblood of sustainable societal development. They enhance the competitive advantage of villages, towns, cities and regions, create local employment, foster social inclusion, cultivate local identity, improve quality of life and mental health and contribute to tourism and the economy. For all these reasons, supporting, promoting and integrating migrant artists into the local cultural landscape is a visionary investment that helps create an open, inclusive and tolerant society. It enriches the local cultural fabric through cross-pollination and utilises the enormous human and creative potential brought to Ireland.

Since 2007, the Centre for Creative Practices, which I founded, has been offering migrant artists curatorial support, professional advice, mentoring and training. We have provided high-quality and fairly paid opportunities, showcasing their work through concerts, exhibitions, readings, performances and screenings that have reached over 30,000 audience members. During the last recession, we operated a dedicated gallery and event space that became the go-to place for local and international audiences in Dublin. Today, however, our organisation has gone from five people to just one. Due to the lack of funding, we are not in the position to employ even one full-time staff member, while a minimum of two are essential to our operations. The absence of a dedicated space makes our programming and planning very difficult. At the same time, our services are needed now more than ever.

In the last year alone, more than 120,000 migrants have arrived in Ireland. Among them was Manar Al Shoulha from Syria, a really gifted painter who without our assistance would not have had access to a studio space and art materials while living in direct provision. Through our support, an exhibition featuring works she created in Ireland, showcasing the immense talent and resilience of migrants, attracted nearly 1,500 visitors to Rathfarnham Castle. Also last year, we had the privilege of connecting with and organising concerts by Ksenia Rusnak, a Ukrainian bandura virtuoso who arrived in Ireland with nothing but her instrument and a small rucksack. These are just two examples from a long list of remarkable individuals whose talents and abilities deserve recognition and support. By showcasing their work, we bring pride to their communities and foster a sense of appreciation among their neighbours. Celebrating great art will not diminish the housing crisis and other challenges we face but it helps us cope, reflect on and appreciate the beauty of a culturally diverse population.

For more than 15 years, our organisation has proven our ability to deliver ambitious, sustainable high-quality programmes and services that contribute to creating an inclusive and diverse cultural landscape and society. To continue and expand our work, we require resources. By securing adequate funding and dedicated space, we can expand and sustain a service that has already been recognised in the EU as cutting-edge and best practice in integrating migrant artists and making a lasting impact, not just on the lives of individual artists but on society as a whole. I am grateful for members' attention and would be happy to address any questions they may have.