David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way her Department is encouraging and supporting the establishment of arts centres in all parts of the country, to articulate Government policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24355/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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There is a network of cultural infrastructure spread across the State with most in the ownership of local authorities. Annual current funding for operational costs and programming is provided to arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. Arts Centres are where artists and audiences meet and represents a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement.

My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific grant schemes. The main focus of my Department capital funding is towards securing and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities rather than the development of major new centres.

Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. Such plans are informed by the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the National Planning Framework which recognises cultural heritage infrastructure.

There has been sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years. I was very pleased to secure almost €363m for the Culture & Arts Division of my Department in 2024. The Arts Council currently provides programming and revenue supports to a range of initiatives such as arts centres and residencies, required to sustain artists nationwide. Record funding of €134m annual funding for the Arts Council is being provided for 2024.

In recognition of their key role in supporting and funding the arts at local level, local authorities have long been key strategic partners of the Arts Council – evidenced by the a 10-year strategy between the Arts Council and the County and City Management Association (CCMA), which reflects on the value of the partnership to date. The Strategy - Making Great Art Work sets out a vision and broad goals to be progressed for the period 2016 to 2025. The Arts Council also provides funding to local authorities, supporting the programmes of Arts Offices in each local authority, as well funding a range of other initiatives, events and festivals carried out in partnership with local authorities and artists in every local authority area.

The location and spread of arts centres around the country is a testament to the ongoing partnership between my Department and local authorities.