Arts and culture have played a significant role in bringing colour, over the years, to the extraordinary lives of many in Northern Ireland. With the impending City of Culture 2013 platform for Derry-Londonderry, and a longstanding tradition of musical, artistic and dance activities, our small land has made some major arts sector contributions.
With this in mind, it is of great concern that the Arts are facing a proposed £4.2 million budget cut that will directly impact on our artists and arts organisations.
The Northern Ireland Executive is looking for your response to these proposed cuts for the period of 2011 – 2015. The deadline for responses is Wednesday 16th February 2011.
Doubtless the inevitability of cuts on public spending in the current economic climate is a grim reality, but arts representatives believe that a reduction of 23% is disproportionate to that of other sectors.
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is asking that you support the ‘Fair Deal for the Arts’ campaign. You can sign an online petition, email the campaign letter and join the Facebook group. So if you would like to see the Arts get a fair deal, please follow this link:
http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/campaign/csr/index.htm
Eibhlin Boydell
