Northern Ireland is rich in cultural capital. Our stories, music, traditions and creative talent are recognised worldwide. From grassroots groups working with local communities, to arts organisations producing internationally renowned work, our arts and creative industries make an outsized contribution to wellbeing, public life, economic development, tourism and the North’s international reputation.

Yet, the sector is in crisis. Years of underfunding and political neglect have left the ecosystem severely weakened. At just £5.07 per capita, public investment in the arts is now at its lowest in decades - less than one-fifth of what is spent per head in the Republic of Ireland. Short-term, project-based funding dominates, with no multi-annual support and little scope for growth. Ministers have failed to act - even as vital organisations close, talented artists leave, and developmental pathways disappear.

The SDLP believes this is short-sighted and self-defeating. The arts are not a luxury - they are central to our economy, wellbeing, and identity. They help reconcile our past, educate our children, regenerate our towns, and attract millions in tourism. They are a strategic asset and must be treated as such.

This paper sets out a bold, cross-departmental plan to harness Northern Ireland’s cultural capital and unlock the full value of our creative dividend. Our proposals include:

• A Strategic Arts Fund, managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and funded through contributions from multiple departments;
• A ring-fenced share of tourism revenue invested directly into the creative sector;
• A cross-departmental arts strategy aligning culture and arts with health, education, justice and environmental priorities;
• Expanded multi-annual and sustainable funding for organisations, individual artists and community groups;
• A commitment to retain and grow community arts funding within the Department for Communities;
• The appointment of an independent Arts Champion to advocate for the sector and coordinate Executive delivery;
• New levers to support arts-led regeneration, including reformed vacant property relief and community asset transfer; and
• Stronger North-South, East-West and European collaboration, including through development of multi-jurisdictional forums to enable collaborative working, shared investment, skills exchange and informed policy making.