TD Mark Ward has called on the government to back the party’s proposed rescue package for the arts and culture sector. The document, published recently, outlines key ways to save the arts and support artists.
Teachta Ward said: “We have launched our Rescue Package For Arts and Culture. It contains a range of proposals to save the arts and support artists. “Artists have been through a very difficult period and are still under huge pressure as we continue to emerge from the pandemic and the sector gets back on its feet. Shockingly, Budget 2022 failed to put in place the supports our artists need and the government even cut some crucial supports. “We are proposing a package to save the arts and support artists here in Dublin Mid West and across the state. We would do this through key measures, including increasing funding to the Arts Council by €4.25 million to establish a hardship fund for arts workers struggling financially.
“We are also calling for restoration of Live Performance Funding. Budget 2022 saw this funding slashed in half from €50 million to just €25 million. We would restore this funding, and broaden it to include restart supports for performing arts education, such as dance troupes, stage schools and music classes who have now endured almost 2 years away from students.
“I believe a Rescue Package for arts and culture is long overdue given the devastating impact of the pandemic on such a vital part of our nation’s fabric, not to mention the role it plays in our economy here in Dublin Mid West and across Ireland.
“I am calling on the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to carefully consider Sinn Féin’s proposals and to engage with our spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, on progressing these policies. “It’s time to support artists and save the arts. The sector has endured so much in the last two years and feels abandoned by this government which has consistently failed to put in place the supports they need. “Sinn Féin will stand up for the arts and culture sector, to ensure they get the vital help they deserve.”
