Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, today called on the Government to finally deliver an Arts Spaces Capital Grant, based on the model of the Sports Capital Grant, to deliver the artists’ workspaces badly needed across the state.

This call comes after 74% of the 1,123 participants in Sinn Féin’s Arts Survey, conducted in April, said they were not satisfied with local arts spaces and facilities.

Teachta Ó Snodaigh said:

“For too long, the arts in Ireland have been treated as the poor relation within Government. Our recent arts survey found that a significant majority are considering emigration, or know an artist or arts worker thinking of leaving.

“A significant factor for many was the lack of workspaces and arts facilities.

“When artists are not provided with space in which to create and perform here, it comes as no surprise that they look for a home elsewhere. This is compounded by the housing crisis, as artists who can’t find a space outside home don’t have space at home to work either, and too often struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

“Minister Catherine Martin’s response so far has been left wanting. The long-awaited capital projects of our National Cultural Institutions have been beset with delay after delay, and despite announcing €7 million for the provision of artists workspaces in Budget 2023, it took another eight months before any of that money was made available. That figure has since been reduced to €6 million.

“By contrast, Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget would have provided at least €25 million extra over the next 5 years as a dedicated Arts Spaces Capital Grant programme on top of the €6 million pilot scheme provided by this Government, amounting to €31 million to deliver a truly ambitious programme of cultural infrastructure build right across the state.

“Considering that, this year alone the same Department plans to spend €34 million on the Sports Capital Programme, it is not too much to ask that the arts be treated with a modicum of respect as well.

“My Sinn Féin colleague Imelda Munster TD secured an amendment to the recent Joint Oireachtas Committee report setting out a long-term vision for the media sector to demand arts bulletins akin to sports bulletins on public service news broadcasts. This is the kind of parity of esteem Ireland’s artists deserve in recognition of their vital contribution to our society, economy and cultural life.”