Wicklow-Wexford General Election candidate Malcolm Byrne has said that the Arts enrich all of our lives and have a positive impact across Irish society.
He said: "The Arts are one of our most important sectors and if returned to government Fianna Fáil will continue to champion the sector."
Outlining the key Fianna Fáil commitments to the sector, Byrne said the new Capital Programme for Arts Infrastructure is a "game-changer."
He said: "If returned to government we will develop a new multi-year Capital Programme for National Arts Infrastructure and establish an Arts Capital and Equipment Programme, similar to the successful Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, to invest in local and community arts.
"Our party is deeply committed to the development of artistic venues around the country.
“There is a real love of the arts and culture in all our communities and we need to ensure that we have the physical infrastructure to meet that demand.
"A measure that is hugely important is the retaining of the Basic Income for the Artists Scheme. We will also address access issues for disabled artists and support artists to access international opportunities through increased funding.
"Since entering government in 2020 we have increased funding across a range of initiatives and disciplines and delivered the innovative Basic Income for the Arts and provided record funding for the Arts Council.
“In the development of our communities, Fianna Fáil places great emphasis on the arts and culture and will continue to invest in the sector.
"We must go further, and I know we will, to meet the challenge that is to ensure a strategy that supports community arts and participation while also encouraging, protecting and promoting excellence."
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