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ROW OVER CUT TO BELFAST ARTS FUND
16.02.2012 / News / 0 Comments
Grant loss threatens popular arts festivals
A bitter row has broken out over a Northern Ireland government decision to cut funding to arts festivals in the cultural hub of Belfast.
Arts organizations are up in arms over the move to end a £300,000 grant which supported events in the city’s up and coming Cathedral quarter.
They say the viability of some of Belfast’s best events – including the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Festival of Fools, and Out to Lunch Festival, were threatened by the cut.
Paul McErlean, Chairman of the Cathedral Quarter Steering Group, said: “There is a real sense of shock and massive disappointment that the Events Fund has been completely cut. He said the fund was “a cornerstone of regeneration and development”of the Northern capital’s city centre, and said public funding for events is key to sustaining the vision of a revitalised Belfast.
“This cut will seriously undermine many of the great events that have given Cathedral Quarter and Belfast such an improved image. We call on the Minister, Nelson McCausland to reinstate the Fund as soon as possible.”
Local hoteliers, politicians and others have also complained about the impact the cut will have.
Sean Kelly, Director of Cathedral Quarter Arts Council, said: “This investment enabled us to reduce ticket prices and host free events. It helped ensure both festivals could be accessible and affordable to all the people of the city and beyond.”
The Department of Social Development, which administers the grant said it was due to "funding pressures".
"We have notified those organisations which usually apply for this grant in order to provide time for them to identify other potential funders for events planned for later this year," a DSD spokesperson said.
"The department remains committed to promoting the Laganside area and has earmarked £530,000 to support the initial operations of the new MAC arts centre when it opens in April 2012. We also have a funding commitment of £100,000 to support the work of the Cathedral Quarter Steering Group."
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