Ms Monika Sapielak:

From my perspective of 15 years of supporting migrant artists in Ireland, what I notice is that the barrier of going to the local established organisations is much bigger than coming to us and sharing whatever difficulties they face or whatever needs they have and supports they require. This is quite important because the bridging element is very critical.

In terms of the elitist aspect that has been mentioned, the traditional arts were not elitist. Traditional arts happen naturally on the ground at the grassroots in terms of development and activity. People celebrate it in a very direct way. That is what needs support, and maybe more celebration, focus and funding at grassroots level. The elitist arts are the arts sold in big galleries and on the big stages, far away from the audiences.