Budget 2021 protects Arts sector – Smyth

€130 million will be used by the Arts Council to support Artists and organisations as they help the country recover from this pandemic.

Chairof the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport, Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth says Budget 2021 will protect the Arts sector, the talented performers and skilled workers who are employed in the industry.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the sector in a already challenging year, the Cavan-Monaghan Oireachtas representative praised the set aside of €50 million in funding to support the live entertainment industry.

“This is the first time this has been done. It is an unprecedented level of funding which will be used to meet the unprecedented challenges the industry currently faces.

“The €50 million fund will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector for the first time and will support live entertainment in venues across the country, building on the Stimulus scheme announced in July.”

She further welcomed the decision to increase funding for the Arts Council in this year’s Budget.

€130 million will be used by the Arts Council to support Artists and organisations as they help the country recover from this pandemic.

“There is additional funding for Screen Ireland, which will foster creativity and development of productions in this area,” she hoped.

“We are known the world over for our Artists and productions. It is our strongest soft power. It is vital this industry is protected through COVID-19. I believe this Budget does just that,” concluded Deputy Smyth.