Budget 2017: Boost in funds for arts and culture

All cultural institutions received extra funding in the budget, among them the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board, Culture Ireland, and the Heritage Council.

An additional €5m was allocated for the Arts Council — an 8% increase in its annual budget.

The Irish Film Board received an extra €2m and both Culture Ireland and the Heritage Council received €1m each.

Budget 2017 also allocated €2m to allow for the opening of the newly-restored historic wings at the National Gallery of Ireland and the opening of Killarney House.

There is also to be funding of €5m for implementation of the Culture 2025/Ireland 2016 Legacy Programme.

Announcing the increases, Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys said she was determined to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

“As committed to in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board are both receiving funding increases for 2017,” Ms Humphreys said.

“The additional funding of €5m for the Arts Council will allow the council to continue to enhance support to artists and arts organisations on both a small and large scale, from locally-based groups to the Abbey Theatre.

“The increased allocation for the Irish Film Board will provide further vital support to the Irish film industry and allow them to build on the unprecedented level of success enjoyed in 2016.

“All of the measures to support art, culture and film re-affirm the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves and also reflect the importance attached to promoting our artistic and cultural strengths, and supporting jobs in our creative industries,”the Arts and Heritage Minister said.