Local Election candidate vows to support grassroots artists if elected - Kilkenny Live

Sinn Féin candidate for the Kilkenny City Local Electoral Area (LEA), Evan Barry has vowed he will call for more council funding to be directed towards grassroots artists if elected in June’s election.

"I am committed to supporting and expanding the creative landscape of our city," he said.

"I have engaged deeply with our local artistic community to better understand and advocate for solutions that support sustainable and economically viable creative practices. The need for targeted support is evident," he claimed.

"If elected councillor, I would call for more council funding to be directed towards grassroots artists, the ones that are emerging and trying to break through into what is a very competitive space. If we want to encourage and incentivise up-and-coming artists, we need to support and engage with them," Mr Barry commented.

"I am pushing for measures that protect and promote our local talents in a rapidly changing global market. This includes advocating for better regulatory frameworks that support artists in maintaining control over their work and livelihoods."

"As your representative, I am dedicated to keeping Kilkenny a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence. Together, we can ensure that our city remains a nurturing ground for artists, where creativity is cherished and sustained," Mr Barry concluded.