Sinn Féin spokesperson on Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts, Culture, Tourism and Media, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has welcomed an ‘invaluable’ discussion with more than 100 representatives of the arts sector at the party’s Dáil Ealaíon (Arts Assembly) today.

The roundtable discussion event took place in Dublin city centre and saw participants discuss how the right government policy can unlock the sector’s true potential. Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald and Teachta Ó Snodaigh hosted the discussions.

Teachta Ó Snodaigh said:

“Sinn Féin are committed to championing and delivering for artists and the arts. I want to thank all of the participants who took part in an engaging, positive and invaluable discussion about how policies can be improved to support the sector.

“Ireland has a rich and diverse arts sector, but too often government policies fail to reach those most in need of support, and many feel locked out of the arts sector. Sinn Féin is committed to delivering a sector that is vibrant, thriving, diverse and unlocks the potential of all 32 counties.

“Key to this is close engagement with the sector and ensuring that voices of artists are heard. As spokesperson on Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts, Culture, Tourism and Media, I have been proud to undertake this work over the last number of years, to ensure that we engage with the full diversity of our artistic community. I want to thank all of those who have taken part in these conversations so far, for their valuable insights and feedback.

“Today’s assembly was the culmination of much of that work, as I and Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald presented Sinn Féin’s proposed policies outlining what we would do in government to deliver for the arts.

“We heard a range of useful perspectives and insights, with an emphasis on how income security, greater opportunities, and decentralisation could help to unlock our nation’s artistic potential, improving the livelihoods of workers and democratising a sector in which too many have felt locked out for too long.

“We have listened carefully to artists, to their feedback and their experiences. We believe that it is crucial that we get this right and are committed to doing exactly that.

“Over the course of this week, Sinn Féin will be launching 5 major policy documents setting out our vision in the following areas: the performing arts, the literary arts, the audiovisual and film arts, visual arts, crafts and design, and for supporting Irish artists across artforms.

“We are determined to deliver for this vital sector and I look forward to continuing this important engagement.”