National Campaign for the Arts responds to Budget 2027
The National Campaign for the Arts has issued a response signed by multiple national arts organisations in response to Budget 2027.
“while on paper this budget presents minor increases in funding to the arts and culture programme, the reality on the ground is deeply disappointing.”
Arts and Culture has received a 2.5% increase; however inflation in 2027 is predicted to be 3%
“Why, when Irish arts are leading around the world – and are a cornerstone of our European Presidency programme – should we now cut its funding”
The continuation and funding of Basic Income for the Arts is wonderful, and makes a momentous change for the lives of the artists selected. However, if the arts infrastructure of venues, studios, collectives and festivals is not there, then where can supported artists go to bring their work to the audience?
The National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) is a volunteer-led, grassroots movement that makes the case for the arts in Ireland. They work to ensure that the arts are on local and national government agendas and are recognised as a vital part of contemporary Irish life. The National Campaign for the Arts response to Budget 2027 was made in consideration of that mission.
Read the full response from NCFA.
Arts and Culture are recognised as generators of positive economic impact. In an Economic Impact Assessment authored by Eleanor Doyle at UCC, commissioned by West Cork Music to measure the impact of its three Festivals in 2025 – West Cork Chamber Music Festival, West Cork Literary Festival, and Masters of Tradition – and the result clearly demonstrates the positive economic impact on the local community:
- Direct audience expenditure over €4 million
- For every €1 invested by Arts Council, Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland in West Cork Music €12.3 in economic activity is generated.
