Northern Ireland’s Arts Council has released a five-year plan. Called Creative Connections, it outlines a series of schemes designed to contribute to the development of cultural tourism, the creative industries and entrepreneurial skills for artists. “This strategy has been developed over a period of review and deliberation both within the Council, and through wide ranging consultation with the sector,” said Arts Council Chairman, Rosemary Kelly. “The vision we have set out is considered and appropriate, planned to keep pace with the artistic and cultural expectations of a modern society; and it is designed to make a real contribution to the social, economic and cultural re-generation of Northern Ireland.” “Delivering on this Five Year Strategy will require Government to invest in arts and culture in Northern Ireland in a way which provides parity of treatment with other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Our request to Government is to raise the per capita spend on the arts from £6 to £10, which is an increase of approximately £20m for the 2008 to 2011 funding horizon.” “This investment is crucial if we are to develop further our seed bed of artistic talent and innovation and if Northern Ireland is to continue to develop creatively and to make a meaningful place for itself in the global economy.” “The arts are increasingly recognised in other places as a catalyst for community development and regeneration of civic pride. Successful artists have the potential to make the world talk about Northern Ireland for all the right reasons and to promote an image of a confident and creative place in which to live, work and do business.” “This is an already vibrant sector which deserves to be nurtured and which is already a potent force in enhancing the image of Northern Ireland abroad. Now is the time to build on what we have.” For more information, CLICK HERE