Investment call: Snow Patrol’s Lightbody helps launch new strategy for arts sector

A NEW 10-year vision to develop a more financially stable arts sector has been launched.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland said its strategy calling for further investment had been informed by extensive consultation with the public, arts community and government.

It outlined its plans at an event at The MAC in Belfast attended by the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, alongside Charlotte Dryden of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, said: “The feeling I get sometimes when I speak to politicians is that art is a luxury, art is extra, a societal appendage, something frivolous.

“No one’s ever said to me in so many words, but the intimation is that art is something we will have time and money for once we fix everything else.”

He added: “Picture the best life for yourself, and now from that great canvas of your best imaginable life that you’ve painted in your mind, take away music, take away poetry and prose, remove dance and dancing, and theatre and film, get rid of all the great towering works of art carved into sculpture or canvas, erase all the arts from that picture of your perfect life.

“How close to perfect is it now?”

Arts Council chair Liam Hannaway said: “We have consulted more widely than ever before, and listened carefully to feedback over the last eight months.

“The Arts Council’s strategic plan for 2024-2034 is an ambitious but realistic long-term roadmap.

“It charts six outcomes and 10 priorities that will help us achieve our vision, a vision of a society where all people can experience a thriving arts sector that is recognised as essential to creativity, well-being and social and economic prosperity.”

Roisin Mcdonough, chief executive of the Arts Council, said: “This strategy outlines our mission to develop and champion the arts in Northern Ireland through investment and advocacy.

“It states our commitment to supporting artists, promoting inclusivity and diversity, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the arts are accessible to all.”