Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The new initiative is designed to build on the positive legacy for our arts and cultural sectors arising from the success of the 2016 commemorations. In particular, I am keen to build on the positive levels of engagement in our arts and culture experienced throughout the year. I have spoken of my desire to increase access and participation in the arts at local level. After all, we recognised the many local events organised by communities throughout the country which ensured the commemorations were such a success. It was important to me in the context of the recent budget to secure increases in funding for all the key arts and cultural bodies under my remit. The Arts Council remains the body to which artists make applications for funding. I was pleased to be able to give the council a €5 million increase.

I do not envisage any funding stream or applications under Culture 2025. That is not my plan. I am working on it at the moment. It is my intention to be in a position to announce details in the coming weeks.

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