The Minister was speaking at the Art at the Heart, the annual conference of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland at the Grand Opera House today.
He said: “It is the talent of our people that will help build a more dynamic and successful creative economy. The theme of today’s conference, Art at the Heart, is therefore very relevant.
“Growing the economy, health and well-being, education and skills, the environment and tackling disadvantage and inequality are all interlinked. Many programmes and investment plans across Government Departments, including the arts, will contribute to that agenda.”
Referring to the draft Budget –‘Building a Better Future' – and the draft Programme for Government published last month, the Minister said: “I fought hard to secure the best deal that I could for the arts in a very tight budget situation with many competing priorities.
“I have secured an increase of £6.75million for arts revenue funding over the next 3 years. Broken down year by year this means an increase of £1million in 2008-09, an increase of £1.5million in 2009-10 and an increase of £4.25million in 2010-11.”
The Minister continued: “I have also secured a significant capital allocation of £32.5million for investment in arts and cultural infrastructure.
“In Belfast this investment will deliver the new Metropolitan Arts Centre in Cathedral Quarter, a new Lyric Players’ Theatre in Stranmillis and a refurbished Crescent Arts Centre on University Road and there should be funding available for other projects still to be developed.
“In Londonderry £4million from the Integrated Development Fund is also being invested in the Nerve Centre, the Playhouse Theatre, the Waterside Theatre, the Void Gallery, the Gas Yard, the Verbal Arts Centre and the An Gaelaras Irish Language and Cultural Centre.”
The Minister said that this unprecedented level of investment in arts infrastructure reflects confidence in Northern Ireland’s more progressive, prosperous and modern society. “Arts and culture make a vital contribution to our quality of life as well as attracting inward investment and tourism. Investment in arts and culture also supports local jobs and stimulates consumer spending.
“The Executive has placed growing the economy as its top priority over the lifetime of the new Programme for Government. I firmly believe that this commitment will help to grow our creative economy which currently employs in the region of 35,000 people.
“Businesses and the commercial sector need people with creative and innovative talents. Creativity and innovation underpins our ability to exploit new economic opportunities and to compete effectively in the global economy.”
The Minister added: “I would also hope that growing our economy and growing the private sector will lead to more business sponsorship of the arts. I believe we can and must make more inroads in that direction.”
Notes to Editors:
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