Blog

Article on NCFA in Gig/International Arts Manager 19 January 2010

2010-01-21T08:55:20Z

Gig incorporating International Arts Manager has an article on the NCFA in this week's issue.
You can read the article here.

For more information on Gig have a look here.

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Updated press report September - December 2009

2009-12-18T14:15:01Z

Have a look at our press report here.

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End of year message from the National Campaign

2009-12-11T11:41:55Z

So, budget 2010 is upon us, and from the feedback we're getting, the general consensus is one of relief that key resources and agencies have been maintained, the cuts imposed are less severe than we dared hope, and there is a small measure of satisfaction that the campaign has acquitted itself well. Where to next for NCFA?

When this campaign first convened as a small group in early August in response to the unprecedented threat to the sector manifest in the recommendations of the McCarthy Report, none of us could have anticipated the groundswell of activism that would gather momentum over the ensuing four months.

Today, we convey our gratitude to a new grassroots network whose reach is national and across every sphere of cultural activity. It goes out to arts workers groups in 39 constituencies, to 5,000 followers on Facebook, to 11,000 signatories to a ministerial petition, and to 20,000 stakeholders as represented by organisations among a campaign membership that now includes major festivals, venues, producers, representative organizations and independent artists in visual arts, theatre, film, dance, music, literature, architecture and collaborative arts. It goes out to the many individuals who spoke up in every conceivable forum, from town hall meetings and flashmobs, to the Houses of the Oireachtas, Morning Ireland and Drivetime about what art means for them, and its role as a force for good in our society. We have come a distance together.

We have been mostly successful in our objectives and we have learnt plenty along the way. It should inform whatever route this campaign chooses to take on the challenging road that lies ahead. We have learnt that a palpable desire exists in some unanticipated quarters to harness culture as an engine of economic recovery, most especially among the high achievers of the diaspora, the political class, business leaders and even the odd economist. We have learnt that the arts is moving beyond tokenism and can participate on its own terms in the crucible of current affairs, where our assertions will rightfully be subjected to the robust criticism that is part and parcel of the news cycle in Ireland. We have learnt that throughout our community there are credible voices in whom the Irish public still place their trust. And we have learnt that Brendan Behan's adage, that the first item on the agenda is the split, will have to wait for another day.

In adversity, there is unity, and we have all played our part in laying to rest the old cavil that the arts in Ireland could not find common cause and mobilise accordingly. 20,000 people now say otherwise.

There will be plenty of work for us to do. If we're to convert the many positive sentiments that currently exist towards the arts into tangible outcomes, we must continue in this spirit of sectoral unity, making a watertight case among our politicians and public representatives that is underwritten by an irresistible public mandate, given to us by the audiences we serve. We must seek out every opportunity to make the cultural case, shed light on the levers that allow culture to flow, and make for better public and political understanding of the many ways, the obvious ones and the more nuanced, in which culture engages with every aspect of life in Ireland to the benefit of all its citizens.

None of us are under any illusions as to the dire economic context in which our dialogue with wider society will take place. To remain effective, this campaign must stay focused on the issues that best reflect our broad and inclusive platform, i.e., the application of political pressure, leveraged by public support, for a greater commitment from the state to the sector in its entirety.

This supersedes the art form, policy, or funder specific issues that will undoubtedly confront many of us in the months and years ahead. As individuals we can and should find appropriate ways to support those of our colleagues, especially those working in independent capacities, who will find themselves in adverse circumstances as resources become tighter in 2010 and beyond.

We may yet look back on these difficult years as the dark hours before the dawn, when the arts again moved centre stage in the Irish discourse. The smoke will eventually clear from the wreckage of this compromised economy and the ideology that drove it, and when the belligerence subsides and blame is in its endgame, a more productive national conversation will begin as to where we go next as a society. This campaign has every intention of making sure that the arts are at the heart of it.

In the interim, a Happy Christmas from Tania, Fiach, Siobhan, Sarah, Irma and myself - have a good break, we regroup early in the New Year!

Gerry Godley
on behalf of the NCFA Steering Committee

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Detailed breakdown of Arts funding in Budget 2010

2009-12-09T15:54:43Z

We started it but you did it. You flash mobbed, organised local meetings, signed the petition, made films, and most importantly you wrote and met your politicians. You have helped the arts in Ireland. Thank you.

We achieved a lot in short time. The worst of the proposals in the McCarthy Report have been avoided today.

Here’s the initial news about the Budget and the arts:

Both the Film Board and Culture Ireland have not been abolished, or merged with another entity.
The Arts Council budget next year is €69 million, a cut of 5.6%. This is a lot less than we had feared and is testament to the efforts of everyone in the campaign.

However, because the Arts Council’s budget was cut in the supplementary budget in March, but they opted not to pass on this cut mid year, we understand they spent approximately €2.4 million of the 2010 grant in 2009. This means they will have approximately €6.5 million less to spend in 2010. This will have a significant impact on artists and arts organisations.

You can read our press statement with reaction from members of the campaign here.

Arts & Culture Agencies	2009	2010	% +/-
	€m	€m
Arts Council	73.35	69.2	-5.66%
Film Board	20.34	19.3	-5.11%
Culture Ireland	4.553	4.083	-10.32%
IMMA/ NCH/ Chester Beatty & Crawford	15.6	14.9	-4.49%
National Museum	15.4	15.88	3.12%
Cultural Projects (regional museums e.g. Hunt/ Foynes/ Science Gallery/ James Joyce & Print Museum)	5.32	4.4	-17.29%

Department Breakdown	2009	2010	% +/-
	€m	€m
Arts	178	167	-6.18%
Sport	195.4	175	-10.44%
Tourism	153.2	155	1.17%

The National Campaign plans to continue the fight in 2010. Our task is:

to build a political and public mandate for support for the arts;
to underline the role and impact of the arts and culture in the country.

Thank you for all your support. We’ll be in touch.

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National Campaign for the Arts response to Budget 2010 - Press release

2009-12-09T15:42:55Z

Press Release for immediate release

The National Campaign for the Arts relieved and pleased main Arts and Culture Agencies retained in Budget and asserts commitment to working with Government in 2010 for national recovery

The National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) has responded to Budget 2010 stating it is relieved that many of the demands it was petitioning for have been retained. The Campaign also acknowledges that while the 5.6% cut to Arts Council funding will cause hardship among artists and arts organizations the NCFA is committed to working with the Minister for Arts and funding agencies in the drive for national recovery.

The NCFA is the umbrella organization for the diverse arts’ sectors in Ireland. It highlights the value of the arts to the country’s economic and social recovery and has been calling for the retention of Culture Ireland and the Irish Film Board, the maintenance of existing levels of arts funding for the Arts Council and continued full representation of the arts at senior cabinet level.

Fiach MacConghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre and spokesperson for the NCFA, said, “The Minster promised that the arts wouldn’t be disproportionately cut and he has delivered on that promise. While the NCFA is disappointed about the reduction in Arts Council funding and worried about the impact of this right across the cultural sector, we acknowledge that in these economically tough times all areas of Irish life are fundamentally affected by the 2010 budget decisions.”

Tania Banotti, CEO of Theatre Forum, added, “Support for the arts and cultural sector is vital for the national recovery and our self esteem. We are relieved that the Film Board and Culture Ireland have been retained. This is good news. This is a reflection of the impact of the National Campaign for the Arts on the political establishment and the hard work and dedication of Minister Cullen and his department. In 2010 the NCFA is thoroughly committed to working with the Minister and his colleagues in government to ensuring the arts remains a vital part of Ireland’s economic and social fabric.”

“The arts are a real economic and creative force to be reckoned with and a bridgehead back to the recovery of our international reputation” claimed Sarah Glennie, Director of the Irish Film Institute.

Joe Woods, Director of Poetry Ireland, also noted ““In a year when literature has seen so many triumphs and given that all sectors are being hit in this budget, this will be seen by as an endorsement by the State to the work of writers and artists.”

The NCFA also took the opportunity to praise its members. Gerry Godley of the Improvised Music Company said “It is a myth that the arts communities in Ireland are not capable of collective action. In light of the McCarthy Report there was an unprecedented level of action in the wider arts and cultural sector. Much of what has been achieved in the 3 and a half months since the NCFA was established has been down to the hard work of 20,000 local arts workers throughout the counties of Ireland mobilizing themselves, local politicians and their greater communities towards a recognition that in these economically difficult times the arts matter.”

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Buy Irish art/ arts experiences this Christmas!

2009-12-04T11:41:38Z

It's Christmas and here at the Campaign we would like to encourage you to buy Irish art/ arts experiences

Here are some examples:

• You can buy some Irish art via the network of galleries around the country.

• Most theatres, arts centres and festivals sell gift tokens – give the gift of theatre, dance, comedy, opera this Christmas.

• Sign yourself or a family member up as a friend of any of the festivals, venues, galleries or production companies around the country. Apart from ticket reductions and opening night packages you will be helping these organisations to survive.

• When buying books – support Irish authors

• Buy/rent Irish films over Xmas.

We haven't given any specific examples/ links as there really are too many to mention but if you would like to post a link or idea as a comment please do go ahead!

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TDs that have been met by the NCFA

2009-12-01T09:18:17Z

Here is the list of the current 166 TDs.
Those highligted have had direct face-to-face meetings with a representative of the NCFA.
Many more have been written to by constitiuents or addressed at public meetings.

However, face-to-face meetings really are the best way of communicating the messages of the Campaign!

TDs really want to meet their constituents so meetings do need to be organised locally - however we are only too happy to give you some guidance or if possible come with you so please do let us know if we can help.

Please do let us know if you have had a meeting and we haven't indicated it on the list.

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National Campaign for the Arts meets Minister to discuss Budget Impact on Arts and presents petition

2009-11-26T08:49:32Z

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS MEETS MINISTER TO DISCUSS BUDGET IMPACT ON ARTS AND PRESENT PETITION OF 10,000 SIGNATURES

November 2009 - A delegation from The National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) met with Minister for Arts, Martin Cullen TD, this afternoon (Wed 25 Nov 2009) to discuss the devastating impact further cuts to the arts would have on the sector and called on Minister Cullen to bring the demands of the NCFA to the Cabinet.

The delegation, which was meeting the Minister in advance of the Budget 2010 announcement next month, also presented him with a petition, which, since it was posted online two weeks ago, has been signed by over 10,000 people. The petition supports the demands of the NCFA which are the retention of Culture Ireland and the Irish Film Board, the maintenance of existing levels of arts funding for the Arts Council and continued full representation of the arts at senior cabinet level.

Tania Banotti of Theatre Forum, Sarah Glennie of the Irish Film Institute, Gerry Godley of the Improvised Music Company and Fiach Mac Conghail of the Abbey Theatre were all part of the delegation.

Tania Banotti said, “The National Campaign for the Arts came together as an unprecedented union of all the different art disciplines in Ireland because not one of those areas is unaffected by the proposed cuts of the McCarthy Report and the devastation that will be caused by a severe slashing of arts funding. We are here for the long haul and we believe it necessary that our demands are recognised and understood by all in government. That is why we have urged the Minister to disclose those demands at the Cabinet table.”

Fiach Mac Conghail added, “This was an important and essential meeting. As a sector, we in the arts are not oblivious to the fact that cuts are going to happen across the board in Ireland in 2010. However, we don’t believe that the arts should take a hit from which it can never recover because then the country will not recover. The arts are fundamental to Ireland’s economic well-being, as the Minister himself highlighted at the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh in Dublin earlier this autumn, and the NCFA are fully committed to working with the Minister and his colleagues in government to help shape future public policy on the arts.”

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NCFA press report update

2009-11-20T08:44:48Z

NCFA press report update

Have a look at our press report here (dated 23 September - 18 November)

If we have missed anything please let us know as info@ncfa.ie

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A round up of activity constituency by constituency

2009-11-19T15:47:03Z

A quick look at all the activity around the country for the National Campaign for the Arts

Please do let us know if we missed something and we will update!

Carlow-Kilkenny
Has a Facebook group with 58 members and is busy this week contacting local media with press release about NCFA petition.

In addition to this Mary White TD (GP) sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and was present when the Arts Council and Theatre Forum made presentations on October 14.

Cavan Monaghan

Has a Facebook group.

Clare

Has a Facebook group and is actively working on getting local press for the petition.

Cork
There are 5 constituencies in Cork and they are now acting under the Cork Arts Workers group which has its own website and has done the following:

Met with Minister Micheal Martin TD (FF) and Minister Batt O’Keeffe TD (FF)

Organised a Flashmob and march for the arts which took place November 14

More meetings are being scheduled with TDs and Councillors

Donegal

Both Donegal constituencies have arts workers groups on Facebook: Donegal North East (190 members) and Donegal North West (130 members) and are spreading the word about the Campaign and petition via local media

Dublin

There are 12 constituencies in Dublin as follows:

Dublin Central has a Facebook group with 516 members and its own website which includes an arts and cultural map of the constituency.

The group has been very active and has met:

Cyprian Brady TD (FF); Joe Costello TD (Lab); Seán Nolan, on behalf of Bertie Ahern TD (FF); Maureen O’Sullivan TD (Ind); Senator Paschal Donohue (FG); Cllr. Aine Clancy (Lab); Cllr. Emer Costello, Lord Mayor of Dublin (Lab); Councillor Claire O’Regan (Lab)

In addition to this members of the group have been writing to the above politicians advising of the Campaign etc.

Dublin South Central has a Facebook group with 343 members and its own website which includes an arts and cultural map of the constituency

The group has been very active and has met:
Sean Ardagh TD (FF); Catherine Byrne (FG); Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD (SF); Mary Upton TD (Lab)

They are seeking a meeting with Michael Mulcahy TD (FF) and have also met a number of Councillors. In addition to this members of the group have been writing to the above politicians advising of the Campaign etc.

Dublin South East has a Facebook group with 226 members and its own arts and cultural map. The group has met Lucinda Creighton TD (FG), Ruairi Quinn TD (Lab) and is seeking a meeting with Chris Andrews TD (FF) and Minister John Gormley TD (GP)

Dublin North East has a Facebook group (17 members) and has attended and spoken at a public meeting with Terence Flanagan TD (FG) and George Lee TD (FG) and is now seeking meetings with all TDs in the constituency.

Dublin West has a Facebook group (32 members) and has met Joan Burton TD (Lab) and has a meeting scheduled with Leo Varadkar TD (FG) and is actively seeking a meeting with Brian Lenihan TD (FF)

There are also Facebook groups in Dublin North (68 members); Dublin North Central (37 members); Dublin Mid-West (11 members); Dublin North West (15 members); Dublin South (48 members); Dublin South West (18 members) and Dun Laoghaire (68 members)

In addition to this Michael Kennedy TD (FF) sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and was present when the Arts Council and Theatre Forum made presentations on October 14.

Galway

Both Galway constituencies have arts workers group on Facebook: Galway East (29 members) and Galway West (159 members) and are meeting all local TDs this week.
Note Michael D. Higgins TD (Lab) was present at Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Arts Council and Theatre Forum made presentations on October 14.

Kildare

Both Kildare constituencies have arts workers groups on Facebook: Kildare North (43 members) and Kildare South (81 members).

Kildare North has also had meetings with Aine Brady TD (FF), Michael FItzpatrick TD (FF) and Emmet Stagg TD (Lab).

Laois Offaly

Has a Facebook group with 57 members.

Currently scheduling meetings with local TDs and have been busy liaising with Councillors and promoting the Campaign in the local press.

Limerick

Limerick East has a Facebook group with 204 members and has had a large meeting in the Limerick City Gallery of Arts Workers which was promoted in local media.

Currently scheduling meetings with local TDs.

Longford Westmeath

Has a Facebook group with 26 members. There has been considerable local press coverage of the Campaign.

Louth

Has a Facebook group with 54 members.

Arts Matter video presentation by Drogheda Cultural Enterprises was made to Drogheda Borough Council and Louth County Council.

A meeting has taken place with Fergus O'Down TD (FG) and other meetings are being sought.
There was a group shot of all art workers based in the county and this received considerable local press coverage.

Meath

Both constituencies have Facebook groups: Meath East and Meath West

Mayo

Has a Facebook group with 58 members. There was a group shot of all art workers based in the county and this received considerable local press coverage.

In addition to this meetings have taken place with Minister Dara Calleary TD (FF), Beverley Flynn TD (FF), Enda Kenny TD (FG), John O'Mahony TD (FG) and Michael Ring TD (FG)

In addition to this John O'Mahony TD (FG) and Michael Ring TD (FG) both sit on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and were present when the Arts Council and Theatre Forum made presentations on October 14.

Roscommon South Leitrim

Has a Facebook group and has received good local press coverage of the petition.

Sligo North Leitrim

Has a Facebook group with 151 members. There was a group shot of all art workers based in the county and this received considerable local press coverage.

Tipperary

Both constituencies have Facebook groups: Tipperary North and Tipperary South

There has been good local press coverage of the petition.

Waterford

Has a Facebook group with 369 members. The group has met several times and has secured a lot of local press interest.

They have also organised a poster campaign.

Currently scheduling meetings with local TDs.

Note: NCFA has a scheduled meeting with Minister Martin Cullen TD (FF)

Wexford

Has a Facebook group with 144 members.

A masked Flash mob is planned for this weekend and meetings with local TDs are being sought. There has also been considerable local press interest in the Campaign.

In addition to this Sean Connick TD (FF) sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and was present when the Arts Council and Theatre Forum made presentations on October 14.

Wicklow

Has a Facebook group with 45 members.

A meeting is due to take place in the Mermaid Arts Centre on Monday 23 and local arts workers and TDs will be in attendance.

In addition to this the NCFA has met Liz McManus TD (Lab)

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Creative Industries, Innovation & the Smart Economy half-day seminar

2009-11-18T09:57:51Z

Creative Industries, Innovation & the Smart Economy

Centre for Innovation & Structural Change, NUI Galway and Western Development Commission are hosting a half-day seminar
on Wednesday, 25th November 2009 (12.00pm - 5.00pm) in Bailey Allen Conference Centre, NUI Galway.

Lots more information http://www.conference.ie/Conferences/index.asp?Conference=87

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Noone Casey Chartered Accountants offer of support to artists

2009-11-18T09:42:42Z

A note from Noone Casey Chartered Accountants

Noone Casey is a Chartered Accountants firm specialising in the Arts and new and emerging business.

In order to support the Campaign and artists, we are offering to prepare and file all applications for Artist Exemption from Taxes between now and Budget Day 9 December 2009 free of charge to members of the Campaign.

For more info:

Noone Casey
54 Dame St
Dublin 2

+353 1 670 7900
www.noonecasey.ie

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A note from Waterford Arts Workers

2009-11-17T08:13:41Z

A note from Waterford Arts Workers

As part of the NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS we are compiling a profile poster for all the Arts workers in Waterford. This poster will contain a photo, name, age and occupation of the Arts worker, and a personal story of how the Arts has affected their life, or what the Arts means to them. These posters will then be put in the windows of the shops, hotels, bars and businesses in Waterford city. Our aim is to make the public aware of the number of Arts workers that will be affected by government cuts. So please join our campaign and send your info to us at:
waterfordarts@gmail.com

The 5 Things you need

1. A high resolution photo.
2. Your name.
3. Your age.
4. Your occupation within the Arts.
5. A personal story about what the Arts means to you or how it has affected your life. (max 200 words)

Have a look at Nicholas Kavanagh's poster

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A for Arts Masked Flash Mob - Wexford Town 12pm Saturday 21st Nov

2009-11-16T14:54:34Z

A for Arts Masked Flash Mob Event - Arts workers and supporters take to the streets to petition against potential funding cuts

As part of the national campaign for the arts to maintain funding to the arts nationally, and to bring attention to the need to sustain funding support of local arts, the A for Arts Masked Flash Mob Event will take place in Wexford Town 12pm Saturday 21st Nov. A pre A for Arts Masked Flash Mob meeting will be held at Bui Bolg premises Whitemill Industrial Estate Wexford 7.30pm Weds 18th November to discuss details for this artistic event petitioning against potential drastic cuts to funding of the arts in upcoming national budgets. All Art workers, practitioners and art lovers of all ages are urged to participate and all support is needed.

The national campaign for the arts has been gathering momentum over the last month with various petitioning events occuring across the country to bring attention to the plight of the arts and the disastrous effect on the economy if funding for arts workers and organisations are drastically cut in upcoming budgets.

The national campaign for the arts calls for 10,000 signatures by Friday 27 November in support of the campaign to be presented to Minister Martin Cullen prior to December 9^th Budget Day. Please visit http://www.ncfa.ie/ to sign the petition. Information on the campaign will also be available at the time of the event.

Also as part of the national campaign, Members of County Wexford Arts Workers Forum recently sent letters to local county and town councillors bringing attention to the significant contribution that arts workers and arts organisations and festivals make with regards to attracting tourism and investment in local business as well as contributing to the social and cultural infrastructure of the town and heightening the quality of life factor which is essential for attracting future business investment into Wexford town and county. They requested that they be considered for inclusion in the economic recovery plan for Wexford. It was very encouraging to see the inclusion of culture being noted as a prime part of Wexford’s infrastructure for promotion of future investment in the recent Economic Forum hosted by Wexford County Council in association with Wexford Chamber and we hope that this will be reflected in funding support for the arts which plays a major role in promoting culture. They also included quotes of support from leading high profile Wexford artists with national and international recognition which included: Eoin Colfer, Alanna O’Kelly, Larry Kirwan, Billy Roche and Pierce Turner.

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Petition: We need 10,000 signatures by Friday 27 November

2009-11-10T08:25:33Z

Time is ticking away with the Budget coming up on December 9. There are many ways you can support the National Campaign for the Arts including meeting your local politicians and joining your local arts worker group but one of the quickest and easiest things you can do is to sign the petition.

We need 10,000 signatures by Friday 27 November and we will then deliver them to Minister Martin Cullen.
We're not there yet - can you help us spread the word?

Here are a few ideas:

1) Post the petion to your Facebook/ Twitter
2) Include in an e-newsletter or put up a link on your website
3) Print out a paper copy of the petition (see below) and display in your office/ foyer/ venue etc (these can then be inputted online afterwards)
http://www.ncfa.ie/ee/images/uploads/Paper version of petition.pdf
4) If you are an artist or arts organisation contact your suppliers to tell them about the petition - insurers, designers, printers, IT consultants, stationery suppliers, couriers etc - these will all be affected by cuts in the arts and will be interested to hear about the Campaign and the petition. You can download a sample letter here which you can use when contacting them or create your own.

If you've any further ideas just let us know and we will post.

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