In light of the current review of the Artists’ Tax Exemption by the Department of Finance, the Arts Council of Ireland commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake a group of case studies illustrating the importance of the exemption to the viability of an artistic career in Ireland. Ten artists from various artistic disciplines were selected to document their thoughts and opinions of the scheme. Each participant boasts a high record of achievement in their individual fields. The studies demonstrate that excellence in one’s field does not automatically generate commercial success, and government initiatives such as tax exemption for artists' represent a form of encouragement and endorsement in the face of difficulties and financial hardship. The examples also reveal that many artists feel such as scheme helps compensate for disadvantages faced by Irish artists in accessing markets, population density and the increasing cost of living. To access the testimonials online as a PDF, CLICK HERE.

www.artscouncil.ie/library/downloads/artists_tax_exemption_testimonials.pdf