AQW 39482/22-27

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 engagement he has had with the Minister of Finance to discuss a comprehensive audit designed to demonstrate the social value and economic benefit of the arts, for use not just by the Executive, but also by Councils in assessing funding priorities.

Answer:

I have not engaged with the Minister of Finance on this matter. The development of a research programme, to include issues around social value and economic impact of cultural activity, is one of the emerging actions of my Department’s Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme.