Derry arts groups hold emergency meeting with Arts Council over funding crisis

MEMBER’S of the Derry’s arts sector called an emergency meeting with the Arts Council on Tuesday over continued funding cuts.

The meeting was also attended by SDLP Councillor Gus Hastings, Sinn Fein Councillors Paul Fleming and Patricia McLaughlin and Arts Council Director of Strategic Development & Head of Policy and Research, Nick Livingston and Director of Arts Development, Nóirín McKinney.

Ollie Green, Artistic Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts (GSCA), said local arts groups have major concerns about the future.

“Over £120,000 has been cut from Derry’s Arts Council funding in this financial year, April 2018/19.

“It is impacting seriously on the ability of arts organisations to deliver their services.

“Two organisations, the Ulster Orchestra and the Metropolitan Arts Centre, are swallowing up 23% of the Arts Council budget.

“The Belfast/Derry divide is very clear.”

Mr Green said government funding for the arts Norther Ireland is just £5 per head, up to three times less what it is in England, Scotland, Wales and the South of Ireland.

Emergency funding needed

GSCA’s premises at Studio 2 on the Skeoge Road is now facing a £32,000 core funding short fall, after missing an application deadline from Derry City and Strabane District Council

“We have no money for heat, light, electricity, maintenance, telephone or internet,” explained Mr Green.

Studio 2 has now appealed to DCSDC to step in and help make up the money.

“We have asked Council to make a special dispensation to keep these vital services available to our community,” continued Mr Green.

“During 2017/18 we engaged with 1,200 people in the local community in arts programmes on a weekly basis, making us one of the most used arts centres in Northern Ireland.

“We are facing the imminent prospect of not being able to keep our doors open and thus keep providing arts engagement services to people in our community.

“We contribute to the health and well-being of the local community and make a contribution to cultural tourism through our participation in the St Patrick’s Day and Halloween parades.

“We have already been refused permission to submit applications under the Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal Process to the North West Development Office/Department of Communities for support for these vital community services and therefore we are asking DCSDC to make a special dispensation at this time.”

(Group pictured at opening of Studio 2)