Senator Malcolm Byrne calls for creation of Arts Capital and Equipment Fund

Published on: 17 July 2024


Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has called for the creation of an Arts Capital and Equipment Fund.
 
Senator Byrne, a member of the Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, has called for a fund similar to the Sports Capital and Equipment fund to be established following a recommendation from the Committee. 
 
The report recommending the creation of the Arts Capital and Equipment Fund has been sent the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.

Senator Byrne said: "The creation of this fund would give an opportunity for theatres, venues and arts centres to seek State grant aid to improve facilities in all our communities. 
 
"We are rightly proud of the wonderful arts and music and drama organisations where we live but there is a huge demand for quality spaces to develop and showcase that work. 
 
"A dedicated arts capital fund open to applications periodically along the lines of the sports capital fund is much needed.
 
"Artists and arts organisations continue to talk about the importance of facilities and the State needs to invest in that infrastructure in the same way as we are rightly investing in sport."
 
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