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 the sector at all. This is not only a stark departure but also an ominous one, coming after years of austerity, neglect, and underinvestment so evident in the sector—this despite the completion of two major cross sectoral initiatives in concert with government, resulting… 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", published on the 9th September, shows the struggle that is underway to save the arts in N Ireland. This draft PfG primarily focuses on economic recovery, public health, education, and infrastructure, with absolutely no explicit mention of direct investment or initiatives to support the Culture,… 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 may feel frightened and further marginalised by these violent threats and the rioting we’ve seen directed at members of our minority ethnic communities. We unequivocally condemn the acts of violence, discrimination, and intimidation that have targeted individuals and their communities based on their ethnicity… 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 the art sector portfolio. In the past Arts Matter NI has enjoyed a productive and collegiate relationship with you and your officials and we would hope to see that continue during the current crisis. We write to you today… 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 public sector. The strategy will establish the key priorities and actions that the Arts Council will pursue over the next five-year period. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland are now pleased to put the draft Strategic Framework out to full public consultation. To share your… 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. Fund the Arts. https://youtu.be/y548TxNpilU… continue reading
Conor Shields, convenor of the #ArtsMatterNI campaign, on the recently announced Annual Funding Programme 18/19 from the Arts Council NI. https://youtu.be/wHvkki6ktms And click below to view the full list of organisations offered Annual Funding in 2018/19 ACNI Annual Funding Decisions 2018-19 (pdf)… continue reading