O’Donoghue calls for the retention and expansion of the Basic Income for the Arts
O’Donoghue calls for the retention and expansion of the Basic Income for the Arts - The Labour Party
Speaking today following Minister O’Donovan’s public consultation on the future of the Basic Income for the Arts, Labour Culture Spokesperson, Robert O’Donoghue reiterated his call for the retention and expansion of the Basic Income for the Arts.
Deputy O’Donoghue said:
“I have had several artists, locally in Dublin Fingal West, and across the country contacting my office about the monumental change this scheme has had on their creativity, their output of work, but perhaps most crucially, their quality of life. This is a scheme that allows artists the breathing room they need to fully hone their craft and also deal with the pressures facing everyday working people also. It must be retained and it must be expanded.
“If this scheme is intended to focus on developing new talent and creativity, then it should be focused on those who are already coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them an even playing field for accessing the arts and artistry as a career.
“I have great concerns about the lack of transparency around the current selection process. While a randomised selection is may seem the most equal way forward, it does not take into account disabled artists who have difficulty accessing the arts in general, nor does it consider younger artists who are desperately struggling to make a name for themselves. This scheme should act as an open door for those who have always struggled to access the arts. It should also seek to compensate those in the control scheme who supplied valuable data for this project.
“This scheme cannot be considered the lone panacea to artists either, any expansion or further investment into artists, must also be matched with investment in artist spaces and facilities, as well as artist traineeships and mentoring programmes. Ireland currently only invests 0.2% in its GDP in the arts and culture, below the meagre EU average of 0.6%.
“I would encourage any artist or any supporter of the arts to make their own voices heard in filling out the public consultation in order to ensure that whatever form this scheme continues, that it is the most reflective of artists and lovers of the arts.”