A very lively meeting of almost 100 artists and arts workers from Mayo took place at the Linenhall Arts Centre last week as a local response to the national campaign for the arts. The result was the establishment of the Mayo Campaign for the Arts.
All in the arts community are extremely concerned about the funding cuts suggested in the McCarthy report which will have devastating effects for a sector that is already reeling from cuts earlier this year. It was decided that Mayo should make an active contribution to the national campaign.
Despite grave concerns, the mood was upbeat. It was acknowledged that, although artists did not cause the current problems in the economy, they have a vital role to play in providing the solutions. It was pointed out that the arts are at the core of our global reputation when foreign investors consider Ireland. The arts supply the spark of creativity necessary to ignite the smart economy, which will provide most of our future jobs. People continue to visit Ireland, dispersing billions into our economy and the biggest growth sector is cultural tourism, as our festivals and artists draw them in. The arts are now also significant employers. In total, it is estimated that there are 4,779 creative businesses in the western region which directly employ 11,000 people, equal to three per cent of total employment. But perhaps most importantly, in these difficult times, the arts give us something to be proud of about ourselves, give us a reason to celebrate who we are.
The Mayo Campaign for the Arts calls for the retention of Culture Ireland; the retention of the Irish Film Board; maintenance of existing levels of funding to the Arts Council; retention and reform of the artists income tax exemption scheme; a commitment to retain the arts portfolio at cabinet as part of a senior ministerial portfolio; and the continued support of local authorities in Mayo for arts activities through maintaining funding at current levels.
The campaign welcomes new members. To register, contact the Linenhall Arts Centre to sign up or for further information.
