Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I will pay testimony to what exactly this arts festival was about. It mentored countless young aspiring performers, writers and directors for six years and provided them with training, encouragement and a space to demonstrate their work. Three thousand artists benefitted from the Scene + Heard festival over the years and the programme launched many successful careers in the arts but that is set to end.

I appreciate that the decision should be removed from politics, but politics should not separate itself from how we foster a culture of artistic endeavour in this country. Mentorship is essential to that. There is a role for politicians.

In a country where it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living as an artist, this is a massive blow to future generations. I implore the Minister to consider other avenues by which politics and the Government can step in to ensure that artistic mentorship can continue into the future. The Scene + Heard festival was instrumental to that.

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