As the city gears up for its annual Culture Night tomorrow, Friday, September 19, one politician says local artists need certainty on the €25 million fund if they are to continue to create art for public consumption which is not commercially viable.
“Thousands of artists do not know their status for this scheme, as it seems that Government is suggesting that those on the scheme will not be renewed, and that only new applicants can apply,” said Galway City Councillor Níall McNelis, on the scheme’s recent extension to February.
“This does not help artists who do not generate enough through commercial activity, or infrequent work that they may pick up. Similar to the ‘Farmers’ Dole’ [for agriculture] it has helped artistic vocations.”
“Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known, from Yeats, Joyce, and Binchy, to The Cranberries, Hozier, and CMAT, but nearly always these artists have thrived in spite of State inattention towards the arts. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision.
“I’m calling on the minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table,” he said.
