Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As we are all aware, the arts community has been absolutely devastated since the beginning of this crisis. I thank every single one of the artists who, in a wonderful spirit of generosity and kindness, have given of their skills and talents. I think every one of us has enjoyed their contributions online. Every day somebody gives some part of their skill set for our free enjoyment.

In the new era of social distancing and risk assessment, many ask how it would work to watch a musical or a play or to listen to one's favourite band. We are deeply concerned about how arts venues, theatres and creative spaces will be able to reopen and sustain themselves economically in the coming months and even into next year if this crisis is not resolved.

In my area of Dublin West, we have several wonderful venues and creative arts spaces and a wonderful theatre, the Draíocht. This theatre and creative space hosts daily events and arts exhibitions throughout the year for adults and children, with funding coming from the Government, Fingal County Council and, importantly, its own revenue streams. Let us imagine that this Chamber is the Draíocht, with the severe physical distancing measures in place. I cannot believe that any event would be commercially viable or able to support itself in any way, shape or form. The reality for the Draíocht and many other creative spaces is that they will not be able to do so. Either we will be left with few or no events taking place or they will need substantial funding from central government. I totally understand that there are serious financial pressure due to the Covid-19 crisis. However, we cannot lose a year, or worse, lose some of these venues permanently. Are any supports, other than those already committed, being proposed to enable theatres and creative arts spaces to reopen, and to remain open, if social distancing is to be maintained late into 2020 or even into 2021?

Some artists cannot use the Internet to produce or show their work. It is vital that this section of the arts community is given support to enable these artists to work in this new environment. I am concerned that those in the arts community feel let down and, as was previously stated, it is important to emphasise what they have said.

Yet again, Ireland's place at the bottom of the pile in terms of investment in culture and arts in Europe is demonstrated. Other countries have rolled out significant supports for artists in these challenging times (e.g. Germany €50 Billion, Arts Council England £160 Million, Arts Council Wales £7 Million).

It seems that we are a long way off what is required.

It is also vital that those involved in the arts sector are given a voice in the process of developing a strategy to enable them to chart their way through this crisis. Will the Minister establish an external forum comprising representatives of the arts, culture, local authorities and others to support the development of such a strategy?

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