Labour will establish a Global Arts Forum to showcase Irish talent

Today Labour launched its plan for arts, culture and heritage in the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.

‘Standing up for Irish Culture’, was officially launched by Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Culture Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Minister of State for Social Protection Kevin Humphreys, who were accompanied by Artistic Director of the Druid Theatre Company, Garry Hynes.

Labour has committed to:

• Invest €150m into Irish Culture and the Arts. This will include doubling the budgets of the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board;
• Set up a new Arts Capital Fund. This will work in a similar fashion to the Sports Capital Fund and will grant funding for the development or upgrading of artistic building, venues, galleries or exhibition spaces;
• Reform and increase supports to artists. Labour will work towards reforming changing the rules for those involved in on-going artistic work. We will also enhance our commitment to artist’s tax exemption and include a biennial review of the cap;
• Protect and promote our unique heritage through town revival plans, heritage-led regeneration projects and more applications for World Heritage Site status from UNESCO;
• Establish a Global Arts Forum for Ireland to support and showcase our artistic talents on the world stage.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said: “Irish artists continued to produce world-class content throughout the darkest days of the crisis. They are cultural ambassadors for our country, and the work they produce has immense social, economic and reputational benefit for Ireland.

“Public endowment of the arts is returned many times over, and now that we are driving a strong recovery, Labour in Government will place a renewed priority on investing in this key sector by investing €150m more into the arts and culture.”

Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin added: “As a nation, we are known around the world for the richness of our artistic and creative talent.  The Labour Party has a proud record of supporting the arts and culture and protecting our heritage.  I am proud that we continue to do so in our General Election proposals. We want to see culture and the arts continue to grow and thrive for the enjoyment of everyone.”