National Campaign for the Arts welcomes the publication of ‘Life Worth Living’ the Report of the Arts & Culture Recovery Taskforce, set up by Minister Catherine Martin.

For immediate release: 17 November 2020

Today’s publication of Life Worth Living represents a further significant step towards the survival, recovery and strengthening of the arts and events industries in Ireland. NCFA was delighted to participate in this Taskforce, ensuring that the views, ideas and solutions proposed by our membership were put forward, and in many cases adopted, by the Taskforce. NCFA is very pleased to see that many of the actions called for in the NCFA’s National Arts Recovery Plan and the NCFA 2021 Pre-Budget Submission are recognised in the Life Worth Living document. 

“It was a pleasure to collaborate with colleagues from across the arts and events sector, and the Government departments, on this Taskforce. The role, wellbeing and lives of artists in our society were central to all our considerations. The outcome of this taskforce will ensure the long-term survival and growth of our sector, and most importantly will ensure protections for our artists and arts workers, as well as our audiences across the nation.” Angela Dorgan, Chair, National Campaign for the Arts 

In particular NCFA is very glad to see the inclusion of a proposed 3-year pilot of a Universal Basic Income, which will be transformative for so many artists and arts workers and has been central in NCFA’s Pre-Budget Submissions over the last four years.  NCFA also strongly welcomes a review of cultural activities and venues under the various levels of the Government’s Living with COVID plan. Arts spaces such as theatres, galleries and cinemas are highly controlled, professionally run environments and strong consideration should be given to amending the current restrictions, particularly at Level 3. 

Full details on Life Worth Living here

NCFA’s National Arts Recovery Plan (May 2020) here

NCFA’s Budget 2021 Submission (September 2020)  here

For further information and comment on Life Worth Living, please get in touch via info@ncfa.ie