In the wake of protests by Irish artists over its cuts in arts funding, Belfast City Council has announced that it is to award grants totalling almost £658,000 to 37 of the City?s arts and heritage organisations during 2003/04.
Councillor Nelson McCausland, Chairman of the Development (Arts) Sub-Committee commented: ?Belfast City Council values the significant contribution that the city?s arts and heritage organisations make to improving the quality of life in Belfast ? both socially and economically. The Council remains committed to supporting the sustainable development of a diverse range of cultural activity in order to increase opportunities for people right across Belfast to experience the many benefits that cultural participation can bring.?
The funding package, made under the city?s Annual Funding for Culture and Arts scheme, represents an increase of around 3% on last year, and targets arts and heritage organisations based in Belfast. Councillors are keen to encourage the arts to enhance the city?s cultural identity and increase participation, as well as seeking what they see as good value for money. Grants range from the Ulster Orchestral Society?s £110,500 for its concert series and extensive outreach and audience development work, to £1,500 for Photoworks North/Source Magazine, which publishes Source Photographic Review and undertakes events for schools and colleges. Other recipients include the Belfast Community Circus, the Belfast Festival at Queen?s and Féile An Phobail, which organises the Draíocht Children?s Arts Festival.