Arts Council’s exclusion of certain acts and groups for funding unfair – Brennan

The Arts Council receive over €140 million in state funding but some comedians, showbands, drama societies, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Fleadh groups are not eligible to apply for funding, said a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Brian Brennan, TD for Wicklow-Wexford, has voiced his strong opposition to the current exclusion of certain artists and is calling for a widening of guidelines on who can receive funding.

Speaking at the Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Deputy Brennan asked why this current exclusion policy exists: “There is good work currently being done providing funding for some sectors and I encourage continued support for artists at a grassroots level.

“The Arts Council funding aims to generate high quality experiences for the public to engage, develop talent and a programme to provide services that support the work of artists.

“With this in mind, we need to know how organisations such as the Fleadh Ceoil and talented people such as comedians are not included?

“To me, a comedian getting up on a stage is a really difficult profession and a wonderful art form. They should have the same opportunity to access funding.

“The Arts Council of Ireland’s current strategy, “Making Great Art Work,” is all about strengthening the position of the arts in Irish life through supporting artists, promoting public engagement, and fostering a diverse and vibrant arts sector. The strategy claims to prioritise artists and their work and aims to ensure the arts are valued and accessible across all communities.

“So why then, are only certain artists included? This current policy of excluding certain artists is simply unfair and ignores the contribution they are making to our society.

“Why should a talented Comhaltas artist differ from an opera singer?

“My colleague, Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised that the Government had provided direct financial support for the Fleadh Cheoil, but he did clarify that this was not coming from the Arts Council. The Minister also said that he believes that the Arts Council should be as inclusive as possible in terms of its support for all Art forms.

“I also welcome that the Minister outlined his intention to examine how the activity of the Arts Council can be widened to support this objective, once the Review of Governance and Culture in the Arts Council is concluded.

“The Arts Council must ensure that all artists are treated with the respect they deserve by broadening its interpretation of art and ensuring more artists receive funding opportunities and resources”, concluded Deputy Brennan.