Gary Lightbody, lead vocalist of Snow Patrol, has raised concerns about the dire state of arts funding in Northern Ireland. He recently met with the Minister for Communities to discuss potential solutions.
Highlighting the lack of financial support, Lightbody emphasised the importance of arts for societal well-being and the need for immediate measures to prevent a cultural decline.
‘A great tragedy’
Gary Lightbody has described the current state of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland as ‘quite dire’. He was recently involved in discussions with the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, to find ways to strengthen the arts sector.
Lightbody pointed out that while there are often priorities placed above the arts, the value they bring to society cannot be overlooked. He also compared the arts budget in Northern Ireland to that of the Republic of Ireland, noting significant disparities.
The Irish government has introduced a minimum basic income for artists, musicians, and performers. Lightbody expressed a desire for similar initiatives and more funding to support young artists in Northern Ireland. He warned that without such support, many potential talents might be lost, which he termed a ‘great tragedy’.
‘Deliver change’
Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister, attended the meeting to listen to the concerns of those involved in the arts across Northern Ireland. He expressed an interest in understanding how the government can help strengthen the sector.
Lyons highlighted the broader societal impact of investment in the arts, including benefits to health, education, and the economy. He described the meeting as very positive and expressed hope that the insights gained would help make a strong case for additional funding.
The minister indicated that the focus should be on real investments in people, which can yield positive economic returns, rather than just providing extra grants or superficial support.
‘Listened to the concerns around the table’
Multiple representatives from the arts sector were present at the meeting, including those from the Arts Council and the Lyric Theatre. Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer at the Lyric Theatre, spoke about the career opportunities within the arts industry.
Fay emphasized that investment in the arts is not just beneficial but essential, as it offers rewarding and imaginative career paths. He noted that the minister seemed willing to address the issue of declining investment.
Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, also described the meeting as constructive. She appreciated the minister’s attentiveness and his commitment to advocating for the arts at the executive level.
McDonough acknowledged that the minister had a genuine understanding of the pressures faced by the arts sector and valued the impact of the arts on the wider community.
Comparative funding
A report from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland revealed that Wales spends twice as much on the arts per head of population compared to Northern Ireland. In 2023/24, Northern Ireland spent £5.07 per head on arts funding, while Wales spent £10.51.
The disparity was even more significant when compared to the Republic of Ireland, where the arts funding per head of population was £21.58. This funding gap highlights the urgent need for increased financial support for the arts in Northern Ireland.
In June, the Department for Communities recognised that funding to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland had decreased in real terms by 30% over the last decade.
The fight for better funding
The meeting between arts representatives and the Communities Minister underscores the ongoing struggle for better arts funding in Northern Ireland. The discussions aimed to find viable solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
Lightbody and other representatives argued that robust funding is crucial to ensure the arts continue to thrive and contribute to societal and economic well-being. Without adequate investment, the arts sector risks decline, impacting future generations of artists.
The collective voice of the arts community, including high-profile figures like Gary Lightbody, has brought attention to the critical state of funding and the need for immediate action.
The current state of arts funding in Northern Ireland has drawn significant concern from artists and sector representatives. Without increased funding, there is a risk of losing future talents.
The recent meeting with the Communities Minister has provided a platform for these concerns to be heard and addressed. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible support for the arts sector.
