Vote by Tipperary councillors to increase arts grant means new applicants approved

The Arts Act Scheme has seen a 20% increase in applications in Tipperary.

That follows a 45% increase in demand in 2023, according to Arts Officer Melanie Scott at this week’s sitting of Tipperary County Council.

Ms Scott told elected members that it was because they voted to increase the budget that the council was able to meet the demand.

“This foresight by members has enabled us to respond to the increased demand this year in so far as possible and in acknowledging the increasing costs for established voluntary organisations,” said Ms Scott.

Ms Scott was asking councillors to approve this year’s allocation of 57,900 to 36 groups. Advertising costs came to €2,079.93

This year, there were eight additional applicants.

Three were ineligible under the terms of the scheme, and two were not recommended. The applications were assessed by the arts office and an independent assessor.

Those recommended included musical societies and performing arts, The Irish Wheelchair Association and one school, Scoil Ailbhe, Thurles. Ms Scott said the grant aims to “assist groups and organisations in stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts or in improving standards in the arts in the county.”

PRAISE FOR VOLUNTEERS

The recommendations were proposed by Cllr Seamus Hanafin and seconded by Cllr Sean Ryan.

Cllr Hanafin thanked Ms Scott and her team for all their work and praised the voluntary work in the applicant groups.

“It goes to show how strong arts are in our county,” said Cllr Hanafin.

Cllr Ryan said that the increase in interest in the arts could be seen the the St Patrick’s Day events last month.

He said their work is “hugely significant.”