The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) has launched a new five-year strategy for the arts with the target of increasing Government investment in the arts to bring Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The plan, Creative Connections, sets out ACNIs aims to support the development of cultural tourism, the creative industries and entrepreneurial skills for artists. Throughout, the strategy emphasises the positive economic impact arts activity can have on Northern Ireland. ACNI Chair, Rosemary Kelly, said, This strategy has been developed over a period of review and deliberation both within the Council, and through wide-ranging consultation with the sector& Delivering on this five-year strategy will require Government to invest in arts and culture in Northern Ireland in a way which provides parity of treatment with other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Our request to Government is to raise the per capita spend on the arts from £6 to £10, which is an increase of approximately £20m for the 2008 to 2011 funding horizon.
The strategy details the ways in which arts investment can help fulfill governmental objectives for Northern Ireland. As we move into a new era in Northern Ireland, with a vision to establish a fairer society where all individuals are considered equals and diversity is respected, we will highlight ways in which the arts and artists can play a role in addressing issues such as racism, discrimination and sectarianism. The document cites artist-led programmes such as the Re- imaging Communities scheme which is using arts projects to tackle sectarian murals, as examples of arts activity which can help unite divided communities. Other key planks of the strategy include support for senior managers in arts organisations, concerted efforts to earn international recognition for Northern Irish artists, and an extension of the Creative Youth Partnerships scheme.
Published: 12-02-2007