Government under fire for arts promotion failure

THE National Economic and Social Forum has criticised the Government for failing to promote the arts to all sections of the community.

In its latest report, the NESF said legal and policy requirements to increase participation in the arts are “weak”.

“There are strong differences in levels of participation in the arts, reflecting major inequalities in our society in terms of education, class, income, and age,” it said. “Added to these are transport difficulties, literacy problems and social and psychological barriers.

“While some Government departments and agencies provide support, this tends to be a by-product and in many policy areas the importance of the arts is not even acknowledged.”

It referred to statistics showing those on higher incomes are three times more likely to attend classical concerts and that people aged 35-44 have lower attendance rates at a number of arts events, which may be related to family commitments in the rearing of children.

It said action plans had been set up by artistic and cultural organisations but are not resourced well enough.

“Greater co-ordination and coherence is required between the many government departments and agencies involved at both national and local level,” it said.

The report recommends:

Better policy co-ordination to widen participation.

Better management and certainty of funding.

Increased provision for the arts for young people.

Improved data on who does or does not participate in the arts.

NESF chairwoman Dr Maureen Gaffney said: “Participation in the arts has many social and economic benefits for both individuals and society and in the building of social capital. It is personally rewarding, provides us with inspiration and new ideas, and plays an important role in bringing people together at various events. It is of special significance in children’s development.

“Everyone should have a right to participate in our country’s cultural and artistic life. This would result in greater social inclusion and cohesiveness in our society, and yet little attention has been given to this by policy-makers up to now.”