More supports for Kilkenny artists as The Arts Council release their Three-Year Plan

The Arts Council has announced the release of their new Three-Year Plan 2023 – 2025. The Plan which focuses on supporting more people to make art and to participate in art, no matter where they live or who they are.  

The Council’s Strategy sets out a framework for the development of the arts in Ireland from 2016 to 2025. This plan is reflective of the Art Council’s vision and goals in championing brilliant art. It also embraces change, looking to our growing and diverse population and concerns around climate action and planning for the future. 

Minister of State for Business visits Kilkenny's Local Enterprise Office

Since 2019 increased funding levels increased by 73% (€75m to €130m). One of the standout successes is that this has enabled the Arts Council to treble our support  to individual artists.  Our workforce has also increased to ensure at least 92% of this funding can benefit artists and public alike. The Arts Council is dedicated to enhancing its own capacity and capabilities towards transformative change. We cannot underestimate the social impact that art, in any form, has on the people of Ireland. The Arts Council strives to support excellence and to help elevate the arts for everyone.  

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said:  “We want to support more people, encourage more  artists and ensure more audience engagement. This support will focus on ensuring the highest quality of work and of experiences. Artists need great spaces in which to create. These spaces and places across the country supported through this three-year plan represent a key component of the critical infrastructure for the arts nationally. I’m excited about our vision for the country and how we can ensure this by increasing our support over the next three years for more people, more places and more spaces" 

 Kevin Rafter: Chair of the Arts Council, said: “The Arts Council’s current strategy is based on the role of the artist and the public engagement with the arts. This new three-year plan will allow the organisation to continue to deliver on these objectives, and key policies including ‘Pay the Artist’ and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The Council’s budget has increased by over 70% since 2019 and this money allowed the arts sector get through the Covid-19 crisis. To continue developing the arts throughout the country, and address the cost of living crisis, the Council has asked the government for a budget of €150m in 2024.”