Council Seeks Funding

The Stage reports that the Irish Arts Council is seeking a €20m increase in funding next year, which will bring its annual state grant to €100m.

A total of 77 arts groups have submitted ambitious plans that would involve funding of almost €40m, but IAC director Mary Cloake said the council could use double the €20m increase it is seeking. "The taxpayer can be very confident the additional money will be very well spent," she said.

Among the projects seeking funding is Wexford Festival Opera spring season, plus resident dance and stage companies at its new Theatre Royal building. In addition, the council has to provide €10m for the Abbey Theatre as part of a special three-year funding arrangement.

The IAC presented its case for an increase at a briefing in Dublin this week, in advance of next month’s budget announcement by finance minister Brian Cowen. But the minister has warned already that, as the once-booming Irish economy slows, the government will have less money to spend.

At the briefing, IAC chairwoman Olive Braiden acknowledged the changed economic circumstances but said: "While public spending cuts may be necessary, it’s not an advisable approach for the arts, as the sector is so dependent on people, and needs increased current funding to fully find its feet at a sustainable level".