The Arts Council/ an Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland share a strong strategic commitment to supporting the professional individual artist. The Councils have jointly commissioned Hibernian Consulting, www.hibernianconsulting.ie , to conduct detailed and extensive research into artists’ living and working conditions on an all island basis.

The research is being undertaken in order to establish an up-to-date and robust evidence base that will be used to inform government funding decisions, effect changes in the regulatory environment for artists, and to modify policy and funding strategies within the Councils themselves. The research will take place during the remainder of 2009 with anticipated completion and publication in 2010.

Hibernian Consulting is an experienced socio-economic research company with considerable arts-related expertise and an excellent track record in completing work on a similar scale. They lead a team which also includes Insight Statistical Consulting, www.insightsc.ie , and Dr. Clare McAndrew who has built a strong international reputation in the field of artists in the economy, taxation and benefits.

A detailed context paper ‘Research into the Living and Working Conditions of Artists in Ireland’ has been prepared. The paper addresses the definition of artists, the research rationale, existing data in Ireland, the regulatory and support environment, the changing environment for artists, and a summary of key research issues.

http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/departs/strategy/artists/index.htm