Arts crisis - Cutbacks a cultural catastrophe

IF investment in the arts and culture is a symbol of a civilised society, then Ireland’s image is sadly lacking at present.

Regrettably, in times of recession the arts tend to be the first victims of financial retrenchment. Thus, knock-on repercussions of a 20% cut in the Arts Council’s 44 million budget for 2003 are being felt far beyond the organisations directly affected.

Thousands employed in related areas are also feeling the strain as cutbacks put the livelihoods of people who work in the arts in jeopardy.