Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

62. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the criteria for musicians and artists to be included on the Culture Ireland list for performing abroad and at State functions. [3687/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Culture Ireland operates a Regular Grant Programme 6 times per annum for the support of Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters to present work by Irish artists at significant international venues and festivals. This is an open applications system and Culture Ireland publishes the list of artists supported under each Regular Grant Round on its website.

In order to be eligible for consideration the following eligibility criteria apply:-

1. the application must be in respect of an Irish professional artist/s or arts organisation2. the application must be in respect of an art form defined under the Arts Act 20033. only international events are supported (i.e., outside the island of Ireland)4. the event must be accessible to an open public audience and fees must be payable to the artist/s or arts organisation.

Eligible applications are then assessed under the following criteria:-

1. artistic quality of work and track record of artist/s or arts organisation2. financial and operational viability of the event (including fees and level of support from presenter/venue/other partners)3. profile of international venue/festival4. proven capacity of applicant, artist/s or arts organisation to present work internationally5. wider promotional and media impact.

In the case of State functions taking place abroad, Culture Ireland may be involved in planning the presentation of a cultural event to mark the visit working with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Taoiseach or the Office of the President as appropriate. The event is designed and artists are selected to suit the scale and nature of the event with the agreement of the parties involved.