AQW 53107/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 25/09/2026
Answered On Date: 02/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to his Department's Audit of Inequalities 2026, to detail any action he is taking to address the report’s finding that participation in the arts is lower among men, Catholics, people living in the most deprived areas, people with dependants, older people and people with disabilities.

Answer:

The new Arts Policy under development in the Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme will seek to improve access and increase participation, particularly among people and communities who may feel the arts are not for them.

Support for grassroots and community-based arts organisations will play a vital role in engaging underrepresented groups and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, location or personal circumstance, has opportunity to participate in and benefit from the arts.