‘Shock’ as festival’s arts funding pulled

Organisers of one of the country’s best known arts festivals have expressed “shock” after the Arts Council confirmed it will receive no funding this year.

Imagine Festival, which is completely run by volunteers — nearly 40 people involved in various committees — has been funded by the Arts Council for the last 13 years.

Last year, the festival was one of the few festivals in Ireland to get an increase from the arts council from €10,000 to €11,000. Between 2010 and 2014, it received between €10,000 and €12,000 every year.