16 February 2025

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has called for a fairer distribution of arts funding to areas across the North.

He was speaking after it emerged that the Belfast City Council area received 71.06% of all funding allocated during the 2023/24 financial year.

Mr McGrath has raised the issue with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons who acknowledged that funding “must be equitable”.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“For many years now the SDLP has been highlighting the huge amount of Arts Council funding allocated to projects in Belfast, with the rest of the North divvying up what's left. I understand that many of our arts organisations are based in Belfast and it stands to reason that a significant amount of funding would be allocated there, but how can anyone justify over 71% of funding going to Belfast, with just 3.18% in my own area of Newry, Mourne and Down.

“While Belfast is no doubt the heart of the North’s cultural scene – there needs to be a realisation that the arts don’t begin and end there. In communities right across the North we have fantastic music, theatre, writing, painting and other groups that range from those who produce work of a very high standard, to dedicated amateurs who work tirelessly to get people involved in the arts in their area with all of the benefits that brings. It can be very difficult to keep the arts alive, particularly in rural areas, and these groups deserve funding too.

“I welcome the Minister’s acceptance that this situation must be addressed and confirmation his department is working on a ‘new arts policy’. This policy must take into account the needs of groups right across the North, not just in producing the next generation of artists, but those organisations who are so important to their local community. This is an island known for its rich arts heritage and there is a duty on the Minister to ensure that the arts are accessible for all.”