AQW 39481/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 30/01/2026
Answered On Date: 05/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any assessment he has made of the value of delivering equivalence in investment in the arts, to sustain sectors in Northern Ireland, which provide clear value.

Answer:

It is my assessment that equality of opportunity is a core principle that underpins the work to develop the new arts policy.

I wrote to the Arts Council setting out my expectations that younger people from more deprived areas, those living in rural areas and areas distant from Belfast; and those not currently engaged in cultural activities are given clear priority in the funding decisions the Council makes.

I met with the Arts Council Chair, along with board members and I have been reassured by their response. I will continue to work with the Arts Council to ensure that the arts are for everyone.