Petition Calls for Protection of Artists’ Jobs and Funding Amid Arts Council Concerns

As Ireland’s arts community enters a new chapter under Minister O’Donovan, a group of concerned artists and workers has launched a petition demanding the government protect the livelihoods of those who shape the nation’s cultural identity.

Praxis, founded in 2021, seeks to empower artists by pushing for fair wages, better working conditions, and increased support for the arts community. The petition, which is available online for artists, arts workers, and supporters to sign, makes five major requests of Minister Martin to protect the lives of individuals working in the field.

The petition, which calls for urgent assurances from Minister O’Donovan, requests five primary actions to safeguard the arts community during this time of uncertainty:

1. Protection from Financial Hardship: Guarantee that no artist or arts worker will experience financial hardship due to the ongoing review of Arts Council operations.
2. Stability in Funding: Ensure that funding for artists and arts organisations remains intact and is not diminished due to administrative or technical issues beyond their control.
3. Uphold the Arts Act 2003: Protect the arm’s-length principle that ensures the independence of the arts, a vital safeguard for artistic freedom.
4. Commit to Transparency and Consultation: Ensure that the review process is transparent and includes meaningful consultation with artists, arts workers, and representative bodies to ensure that decisions reflect the needs of the sector.
5. Invest in an Accessible and Equitable Arts Council: Prioritise future investment in an Arts Council that is not only functional but accessible and equitable, serving the diverse needs of those creating and enabling art in Ireland.

The petition stresses that the arts sector is a vital part of Ireland’s cultural and economic fabric. Thousands of artists and arts workers rely on the support of the Arts Council for their livelihoods, and any uncertainty surrounding funding or policy changes could have a destabilising effect on the sector. As the backbone of Ireland’s creative economy, the arts contribute significantly to employment, tourism, societal cohesion, and the country’s global reputation. The petition argues that public investment in the arts generates significant returns, from job creation to positive societal impacts in areas like mental health, education, and diversity.

The petition also highlights the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the Arts Council’s funding structures. Artists and arts workers, the petition points out, are not responsible for the technical failures surrounding the Art

Sign the petition here.

Photo Credits: Simon Cunningham