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.

Because funding has been slashed, Opera Ireland has been forced to take the unprecedented step of cancelling its spring season this year. But the lack of finance is hurting across the board, putting the future of ballet at risk and holding up such vital projects as the redevelopment of the School of Music in Cork and the Irish Academy for Performing Art in Limerick.

Hopefully, when the exchequer coffers are flush once again, there will be a more generous approach to funding the arts.