‘Arts organisations are very much in need’

The money was received by Stormont in July after the British government made it available for cultural venues, arts institutions, individuals, and freelancers.

At the most recent Council meeting, Councillor Shaun Harkin expressed concerns about the lack of movement regarding the funds.

“There was a commitment given back then that it would be immediately released to arts organisations across the North who are very much in need of it. It still hasn’t been released and there’s growing frustration from arts organisations and arts workers that this hasn’t happened. And we’re also told that only £4 million of the £33 million will be released.”

Councillor Harkin echoed frustrations he’d heard from people he’d spoken to from within the industry.

“This is what the money was for, arts organisations, arts venues, and I think that’s what the money should go towards.

“I think we as a Council should respond to the demand and call for it to be released immediately.”

Councillor Rory Farrell mentioned that his party had already written to the Finance Minister saying that all the money should go to arts institutions, venues, and individuals, that all those groups across the city and district should get a fair share of it.

“Conor Murphy has responded saying he is waiting for a funding bid from the Communities Minister, which hasn’t happened yet. We’ve already requested this.

“We’re still waiting for the right answer. But I don’t disagree with writing again. I don’t think it’ll make any harm.”

On Thursday the Executive agreed COVID-19 funding allocations of £165 million to allow a funding injection for business, infrastructure, culture, schools and local councils. Of this sum £29 was set aside for ‘cultural recovery.’

Finance Minister Conor Murphy said: “I am pleased to announce £29m for cultural recovery. This on top of the £4m previously allocated means that a total of £33m is going to this important sector.

“Over £29m is being provided for a range of business interventions including support for the tourism industry and a Holiday at Home voucher scheme as well as investment in skills and youth training and further business support.”

The Millennium Forum stated: “The Millennium Forum welcomes news that the NIE has allocated £29 million in public funding to help the arts and cultural sector here to overcome the burdens imposed by the continuing pandemic.”

The Arts Council said: “We are heartened to see that the majority of the funding announced today is aimed at helping our core arts and cultural organisations, as well as artists and creative practitioners, get through this crisis to year-end, in the hope we can press a reset button and open our venues, festivals and cultural activities safely to the public as quickly as possible.”