Northern Ireland’s Culture Arts and Leisure Minister, Edwin Poots, has promised to make the case for the arts during the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review Process, after meeting with Arts Council officials. Council Chief Executive, Roisín McDonough, described the meeting as “most valuable”. “We welcomed the opportunity to provide an update on the state of arts funding in Northern Ireland, the disparity of financial support for arts and culture here compared with other parts of UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Arts Council’s critical submission to government for additional funding.” “The Arts Council has had its budget frozen for the third successive year and coupled with the serious decline in Lottery income levels, the sector faces its bleakest year in a decade,” she said. “The success of our bid to the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review will mean a ‘make-or-break’ difference to our artists and arts organisations.” “The Arts Council will continue to press the case strongly for the arts and stress upon our political leaders the need for a positive settlement in this summer’s public spending review.” For more information, CLICK HERE