Visual Artists Ireland (NI) response to NI Executive draft Programme for Government 2016-2021 consultation

On 22nd July 2016, as part of our ongoing advocacy activities, Visual Artists Ireland submitted a response to the Northern Ireland Executive’s consultation on the draft Programme for Government 2016-2021. Our response included contributions from Tracy Marshall-Elliott (Belfast Exposed) and John Duncan (Source Photographic Review).

We feel that the arts can contribute towards many of the stated outcomes, but there is only one indicator and measure that addresses culture of any kind. We are also concerned that the programme limits each indicator to one measure and we feel that the arts are not represented by those current measures.

Given this is the case, we are concerned that the Arts will not be a high priority for the new Department of Communities and will not receive adequate funding as it’s success cannot be effectively measured by the standards outlined in the draft programme.

View the full VAI NI Response to the Draft Programme for Government here:
VAI Response to Draft Programme for Government

We also encourage all artists to support and get involved with the #ArtsMatterNI campaign where the broader arts community in Northern Ireland has come together to have a united voice in support of our sector.