The Arts Council of Ireland has announced increases in revenue funding for 2005 for arts organisations across the country. Ms Olive Braiden, Chair of the Council, said the 16 per cent increase given by the Government in the Arts Council allocation for 2005 was being passed on directly to artists and arts organisations. 'The Council has been committed to passing increased funding on to artists and arts organisations and we are happy to report that funding to arts organisations has increased by 16 per cent across the Council's four main programme areas: production companies, resource and service organisations, arts venues and festivals and events.' Ms Mary Cloake, Director of the Council, said that in addition to increased funding to organisations, next year would see direct support for the work of the individual artist increase by 16%, and additional provision for Aosdána, which will allow for the election of 10 new members - the highest additional membership since 2001. Funding programmes on offer next year include: Artists' awards, bursaries and schemes, the first closing date for bursaries is 21st January 2005. Financial provision for artists in 2005 is €3,888,000 including €310,000, which has been added to the awards budget; The Minor Capital Scheme has received a 50% increase in funding, with an additional €250,000 allocated; The Small Festivals scheme has received an increase of some 40% with an additional €100,000 allocated. Other opportunities are outlined in the Council's brochure Supports for Artists 2005 which has just been published. Mr John O'Kane, Arts Programme Director of the Council, said the priority for the funding decisions for 2005 had been on addressing specific areas of under-funding of arts organisations and by extending the range of work the Council supports. For more information, CLICK HERE