Sinn Féin MLA, Colm Gildernew, has welcomed the engagement of a cross-section of the Arts Sector at an event in Stormont, today.

Representatives were given the opportunity to address what they consider to be the most pressing challenges being experienced by the sector.

The Chair of the Committee for Communities, Mr Gildernew said the information will be used to develop ideas and recommendations for how things could be done differently.

“It’s fair to say there is great ambition in the sector to increase and extend our arts and tourism offering, develop more sustainable working models as well as increasing engagement and accessibility to the arts.

“But these aspirations need funding and the sector has been clear that more money is needed.

“Following today’s event, the committee will engage with the Minister, the Department, the Arts Council and other organisations to identify opportunities to do things differently.”

Mr. Gildernew said the committee will now examine the responses from the Arts sector before delivering them to the Minister and the Department.

“The event was very worthwhile with candid discussions on the main issues and challenges facing the sector and we will look at what we can do to deliver increased funding for the arts.”