The Arts Council of Ireland has praised the government for a 19 per cent increase in funding for 2004. In a statement by the Arts Council, they see the increase as a tip of the hat to 'the value of the artists to the whole community.' Olive Braiden, Arts Council Chair said: 'While demand for funding will inevitably outstrip the Council's capacity to fund, it is now incumbemt on the Council to ensure that this increase reaches artists to the ultimate benefit of society.' For further information on the Arts Council of Ireland, CLICK HERE.