€25 million support package very welcome
The €25 million package of support for the arts sector announced by Government earlier today, with €20 million to the Arts Council, to offset the impact of the coronavirus crisis is very welcome. The Arts Council’s Advisory Group Report, expected in the next few days, will determine the distribution of these funds. Artists and arts organisations all need support to survive this crisis and go on to build a better, more sustainable arts sector for all. Congratulations to NCFA and all who supported and shared the #savethearts campaign. You can read NCFA’s statement here.
Programme for Government
The Programme for Government has been under discussion for a long time. Recognising the level of compromise that was required to form a Government in the midst of a costly crisis, the arts sector is initially disappointed that some piecemeal initiatives may have taken precedence over structural and systemic change. We urge you to review the Programme and join the NCFA meeting this Thursday afternoon at 4.30pm on Zoom to share your views.
Artists
Since mid-March, most artists have had no work. Many have questioned the sustainability of their careers in a sector which previously left them amongst the most poorly paid, but highly trained, workers in society. Discussions about the distribution of support in the sector should take into account that artists want to build a fairer, egalitarian arts sector rather than restoring the previous unsustainable structures.
Open Forum, Thursday 25 June at 4pm
Given the newly announced support package, publication of the Programme for Government and the expected Arts Council Advisory Group report, we are rescheduling our next Open Forum for Thursday 25 June at 4pm. Activists and networks, independents and organisations, freelancers and funders will have a platform and you’ll have the opportunity to set out your aims for the arts sector of the future. All are welcome but please register to receive meeting login information.
Working Group meeting, Friday 19 June at 10am
A meeting of the Reopening Arts Centres Working Group is scheduled for this Friday, 19 June, at 10am. Various experts will be on hand to answer your questions about the public health and safety guidelines for reopening arts centres as well as to discuss protocols for rehearsal and live performance. Please register to receive meeting login information.
IETM Season closing: Staying united as an international community Wednesday 24 June
This session is open to both members and non-members of IETM and will be held through Zoom on Wednesday 24 June from 13:00 to 15:00 our time. You can find our more information on the session here.
Please tell us about your crisis, work and funding issues and the support that we can offer you.
Very best,
Anna & Irma