Prepared by: ArtsMatterNI (on behalf of the wider arts and cultural sector in Northern Ireland) Date: August 2025 Introduction ArtsMatterNI is a broad coalition of artists, organisations and cultural advocates. We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Department for Communities’ (DfC) Draft Budget 2025–26 and to consider it in the context of the Heritage,… Continue Reading
Arts Matter NI last got together to discuss the draft PfG which had no explicit mention of direct investment or initiatives to support the Culture, Arts, and Heritage sector. The Department for Communities has organised a consultation on 2025/26 Budget Allocations and there are a number of areas and issues requiring discussion. Arts Matter NI… Continue Reading
Arts Matter NI has prepared a document in order for the sector to contribute to the online submission regarding the new Programme for Government. The deadline for contributions to the online submission is: Monday November 4th at 11.59pm. The submission process takes about 15 minutes and we have laid out answers to the questions as… Continue Reading
The current draft Programme for Government (PfG) 2024-2027, titled “Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most,” has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland’s arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Unlike previous PfG iterations, such as the 2016-2021 version, which acknowledged the critical role of arts in social cohesion, economic regeneration, and identity, this latest draft fails to mention… Continue Reading
The Assembly believes the arts don’t matter – we have to tell them that it does! (An immediate response to the draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, titled “Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most”) The NI Assembly believes the arts don’t matter … The draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, titled “Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most”,… Continue Reading
sign the statement and show your solidarity online In light of the recent attacks on minority ethnic members of our community in Great Britain and Ireland, we, the undersigned members of the creative community, stand together in unwavering support and solidarity with our colleagues who may have migrated or taken refuge here or those who… Continue Reading
Minister Carál Ní Chuilín Department for Communities Causeway Exchange Belfast via email private.office@communities-ni.gov.uk 7th of July 2020 RE: Retention of Emergency Funds Dear Minister Ní Chuilín On behalf of the steering group of Arts Matter NI may we congratulate you on taking up your new post and indeed renewing your role in the stewardship of… Continue Reading
Have Your Say! Public consultation is now open! Draft 5-year Strategic Framework for Developing the Arts 2019-2024 The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has developed its draft Strategic Framework for the Arts 2019-2024 in consultation with the arts sector and key stakeholders, as well as our partners in local and central government, and the wider… Continue Reading
ArtsMatterNI convenor Conor Shields, offers an update on the disparity between funding levels in Northern Ireland compared to our nearest neighbours. In light of new cross party political support to pursue equality of funding, this is the challenge facing government and indeed us all. We are not #WorthLess . Stop the Cuts. Find the Money.… Continue Reading
Belfast Telegraph article www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/theatre-arts/belfast-council-weighs-in-against-cuts-to-northern-ireland-arts-funding-36977891.html #ArtsMatterNI Press Release Press Release ArtsMatterNI 05-06-2018 (docx) Continue Reading
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