Arts, culture and film are the creative sectors of our economy. These sectors are primary economic contributors, real businesses, enduring employers and the backbone that defines us as a cultural and tourist destination. Overall, the arts, culture and creative industry sectors employed an estimated 46,000 people in 2008. Taken on its own, the Irish audiovisual content production sector is valued at almost €560m and employs almost 7,000 people.
In 2008, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism invested almost €240 million in the arts and culture sector and creative industries. That is real, tangible investment in the real economy.
The sectors have achieved much in 2008:
An Arts Council funding package of over €82 million to assist in supporting and developing artists and arts organisations.
Investment of €34 million in arts and cultural enhancement schemes throughout the country.
Opening by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD of the state of the art Wexford Opera House and the opening in Dublin of a new extension to the Gate Theatre and the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s new building in Limerick. Highest funding ever to the Irish Film Board (€23.2 million) enabling 25 Film Board-backed feature films to commence production in Ireland in 2008.
Section 481 tax incentive for Film and TV extended to 2012 and further enhancements to it in 2009 - an increase in the individual investor cap for those wishing to invest in film in Ireland to €50,000 per annum with a 100% relief on that investment.
Major international success for Irish artists particularly with Oscar, Tony and Emmy success for Irish film, drama and TV; Man Booker Shortlist for Sebastian Barry; prestigious prizes for Culture Ireland-supported artists at Edinburgh and the World Building of the Year award at the inaugural World Architecture Festival to Grafton Architects for the Bocconi University, Milan.
Funding increased to our National Museum, National Gallery and Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Over three million visitors to the National Cultural Institutions and extended opening hours at the Institutions.
Significant progress for the National Concert Hall redevelopment - three consortia invited to participate in the dialogue phase that will lead to the placement of a contract.
Work is continuing on the PPP for the Abbey Theatre.
Extension of the ‘Culture Night’ experience to other locations outside Dublin.
Celebrations to mark the Hugh Lane Centenary and the composer Thomas Moore Bicentenary.
Science Gallery opened in January (Dublin) and is proving popular (100,000 visitors);
Regional arts festivals continue to be a major tourism draw and revenue generator for local economies.
I want to acknowledge the contribution of the Directors, Boards and staff of the Arts Council, an Bord Scannán na hÉireann/ Irish Film Board and the National Cultural Institutions and all those who have contributed to a successful 2008. I want to thank them for their dedicated work this year.
In the year ahead, as the newly-appointed Chairman and members to the Arts Council settle in, we can look forward to the opening of the refurbished Druid Theatre, the centenary of Francis Bacon, the opening of the Treasures of Ireland exhibition at the National Library and challenging programmes at the Abbey, the National Concert Hall and Wexford Festival Opera. The Irish Museum of Modern Art has an exciting exhibition programme for 2009, as does the National Gallery. Early in the year, I hope to announce plans for a significant contemporary art event in Dublin in 2011 as part of our cultural tourism initiative.
The recent enhancement to film tax relief will lead to some exciting features in 2009 and the Irish Film Board pipeline is very exciting in that regard.