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Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, welcomed the announcement by the Arts Council of funding totalling almost €7 million to more than 100 artists, arts organisations and projects right across the country. Funding across a number of arts genres including, circus, dance, film, festivals, literature music, theatre and traditional, and covering every corner of Ireland and indeed internationally provides a great shot in the arm for the industry.

Today’s announcement is a manifestation of the Arts Council’s new funding framework, which is designed specially to deliver on its strategy, Making Great Art Work.

Over the course of the year, the Arts Council, which is funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will invest €68.4 million in the arts.

Commenting on today's announcement, Minister Madigan said:

I am delighted to announce this investment in our arts. Art enriches us personally, gives heart and expression to our community, leaves us more creative and imaginative, drives our economy with creativity and innovation. It makes Ireland attractive for tourism but most of all, the arts in Ireland brings us together -- and keeps us together. Art is the interpretation, interrogation and expression of our diverse identities.

My job as Minister is not to make art but to support art and to enable artists by sustaining momentum and investment. I know too, the essential, central role of the Arts Council in sustaining, encouraging and supporting the arts.

The state plays a role in supporting the arts. It is something to be proud of that we as a people honour our artists. It is to say that we are striving to make art intrinsic to the enjoyment of citizenship. The exciting funding programme announced here today will further that agenda this year and for many years to come.