The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has defended its independence, claiming that policy-making expertise and access to external funding would be at risk if it were to lose its arms-length status.
Arts attendance among people living in the most deprived areas has grown, but the gap between these areas and those of least deprivation has widened over the past decade.
The financial imperative to sell tickets can lead to a ‘bums on seats’ mentality, but a different approach has helped Mac Belfast grow its schools audiences and enhance its reputation. Melissa McMinn describes two initiatives.
Income generating activities by ACNI’s core-funded organisations have failed to offset the loss of Government funding and artists’ costs have been slashed to balance budgets.
A ten-year strategy for the arts in Northern Ireland is being considered under a new consultation launched by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Kelly-Anne Collins shares the story of how one dance support network diversified – creating a platform to showcase new work – and may just have triggered a revolution for dance in Northern Ireland in the process.
Umbrella bodies and venues will bear the brunt of cuts in Northern Ireland, as funding decisions are aimed at preserving the “core elements of each art form”.
