After a marginal increase of 0.4% last year, the Arts Council has received a 4% increase in its budget for 2016 from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, although the Department’s own funding increased by 12%. 

This brings the Arts Council’s funding to €59.1m, up from €56.9 million in 2015, but still 28% below a high of €83m in 2007. The annual Arts Council budgets since 2007 can be seen below:

2007: €83m
2008: €81.6m
2009: €73.4m
2010: €68.7m
2011: €65.2m
2012: €63.2m
2013: €59.9m
2014: €56.7m
2015: €56.9m
2016: €59.1m 

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, commented:

The arts, culture and heritage sectors, like all sectors of the economy, suffered considerably during the financial crisis. But thanks to the economic recovery, we are now in a position once again to invest in our arts, culture and heritage, which will benefit communities right across the country.

My Department’s biggest priority for next year is the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. I am very pleased to have secured funding of more than €48 million for this initiative, the majority of which will be spent on major capital projects such as the new commemorative and visitor centres at Moore Street and the GPO, and the redevelopment of the National Archives and the National Concert Hall. 

The Department will also be rolling out a scheme to help upgrade and improve arts and cultural centres across the country.

Culture Ireland is to receive an increase of €3m, bringing its total to €5.5m. This follows a 20% decrease last year to €2.5m.

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for Culture Ireland, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, said:

I am delighted with the funding increase announced by my colleague Minister Brendan Howlin. This increase will see Culture Ireland double its funding on 2015 funding…

… This truly is fantastic news as the Government reiterates its commitment to putting arts and culture at the centre of our 1916 Commemoration Programme, but also in showing that arts and culture as being central to our economic recovery.

For more, visit http://www.ahg.gov.ie/