The Green Party in Donegal has welcomed the publication of “Life Worth Living’ the Report of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce, announced by Catherine Martin, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
It has been widely acknowledged that the impact of COVID-19 on the Arts/Culture sector has been more detrimental, and will last longer, than in nearly any other sector, the party said.
Almost all activity has stopped and it is likely that for many parts of the sector it will be among the last to restart.
Its recommendations include a Universal Basic Income Scheme for artists and event workers unable to earn a living due to Covid-19 restrictions.
It’s one of a number of propositions made by an Arts and Culture taskforce which have been presented to cabinet.
Donegal Green Party Culture Spokesperson Michael McLaughlin say that this is a huge step in the right direction for artists and those working in the audio-visual sector.
“This report was compiled by speaking directly with musicians, artists, theatre workers and those employed in the live entertainment sector, and contains ten recommendations that will address their loss of income due to the pandemic.
“It has been widely acknowledged that the impact of COVID-19 on the Arts/Culture sector has been more detrimental, and will last longer, than in nearly any other sector. Almost all activity has stopped and it is likely that for many parts of the sector it will be among the last to restart,” he said.
Other recommendations include business support schemes for companies that supply the live entertainment industry, and a re-examination of where cultural venues come under the government’s Living with Covid plan.
“Catherine Martin has been hugely supportive of the Arts and Culture sector, as was evident in the recent budget’ says McLaughlin.
“This report has been widely welcomed by those working in the Arts, and it needs to be implemented as soon as possible to a sector that will have many important stories to tell when we emerge from this.
“It will ensure that the sector has the ability to weather this storm, and can recover strongly with the ability to bring the high-quality arts, culture and entertainment events for Irish audiences and international visitors to enjoy in better times”.
