Written answers

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Arts Council

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1689. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will confirm that the Arts Council will be required, pursuant to its new ten year strategy, to continue to provide annual programme funding to the 47 multidisciplinary arts centres and venues around the country, which have developed under the auspices of the Arts Council over the years in order that assurances can be provided to those venues regarding future viability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31258/15]

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1690. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the input she has into the Arts Council strategic review which is currently being conducted to develop a strategy for the arts for the next ten years; the public consultation that has taken place; when she expects the strategy to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31259/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1689 and 1690 together.

I welcome the Arts Council publication of its new strategy Making Great Art Workwhich sets out its plan for leading the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade.

The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. Primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council, although funded by my Department, is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and specifically in its funding decisions. Information on the Arts Council's strategy, funding schemes and funding decisions is available on the website of the Council at .

I also wish to advise the Deputy that a comprehensive review of the Arts Council’s activities and operation over the period 2009 to 2012 was recently published by my Department. It was undertaken by my Department’s Evaluation Unit under the guidance of an expert Steering Committee chaired by Dr. John O’Hagan, Professor of Economics at Trinity College. This review should act as an important tool for the Arts Council to improve its hugely beneficial work in funding arts organisations across the State. The review commends the Council for its response to the economic crisis by significantly reducing administration costs; overhauling its organisational structures; and developing on its RAISE initiative, which helps arts organisations to diversify funding streams.

The review also highlights the need for the Council to expand its efforts to improve transparency around its decision making; give greater consideration to addressing the issue of regional balance in accessing the arts; to engage more with stakeholders and establish the evidence-base for the societal benefits of its work.

This review is available to download on my Department's website.

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