Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody has spoken out about the “dire” state of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland, calling it a “great tragedy” that could have long-lasting effects on the next generation of artists.
Lightbody, who met with Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons to discuss the issue, expressed his concerns about the lack of support for the arts sector in Northern Ireland. He emphasized the importance of investing in young artists and musicians to ensure their success and prevent them from falling through the cracks.
The Irish government’s introduction of a minimum basic income for artists in 2022 highlighted the disparity in funding between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with Lightbody noting that Northern Ireland operates on a “shoestring budget” in comparison.
Minister Lyons acknowledged the challenges facing the arts sector and expressed his commitment to listening to those involved in the industry to find solutions and deliver the necessary changes. He recognized the positive impact that investment in the arts can have on health, education, and the economy.
Representatives from the Arts Council and the Lyric Theatre also attended the meeting, with Executive Producer Jimmy Fay emphasizing the career opportunities within the arts industry and the importance of investing in the sector for long-term benefits.
Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisín McDonough, praised Minister Lyons for listening attentively and promising to champion the arts at the executive level. She highlighted the value and impact that the arts bring to the community and called for increased funding to support the sector.
With figures showing that Northern Ireland lags behind other regions in arts funding per head of population, there is a growing call for greater investment in the arts to ensure the sustainability and success of the sector. The meeting between industry representatives and the Minister signals a potential shift towards increased support for the arts in Northern Ireland.
