The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is seeking artists and cultural organisations to respond to the latest arts budget, which was published in October 2005. The Council, who feels that the region will be one of the least funded arts sectors in the UK, is worried that it would impact its ability to create a “world class Northern Ireland”. The projected annual arts budget for the period of 2006 – 2007, is roughly a quarter of what the Arts Council England propose to spend; ACE plans to spend over £410 million, while Northern Ireland only plans to spend roughly £10 million. The Scottish Arts Council proposes to spend roughly £60 million, and the Arts Council of Wales has proposed £26 million. The Scottish Arts Council is the only body to increase its budget. The public can view and respond to the proposed budget until the 5th December 2005, and attend public consultations across Northern Ireland in order to be informed about the process. The proposal can be read online at www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk. Please send your responses to Priorities and Budget Consultation, S1, New Building, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor BT19 7NA. You can also respond at the above website. For more information, CLICK HERE.