The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) has issued a spirited response to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure?s (DCAL) proposals that it should be scrapped and its grant-giving responsibility devolved to local authorities. In its submission to the Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland (RPA), ACNI makes the case for a ?a strong regional champion? for the arts.
Citing the impact that artistic activity can have on peace-building, it acknowledges that ?independence with strengthened accountability is a difficult balance to achieve but a necessary prerequisite for artistic expression and creativity to thrive.? ACNI claims that DCAL?s proposal would be wasteful and would involve duplicating administrative resources. The consultation period on the RPA has now finished and Ministers will be evaluating responses before making final decisions on the new structure for the delivery of all public services in Northern Ireland.
Published: 10-10-2005