Keep our arts alive

The Draft Budget does little for parity in arts funding - Northern Ireland will still get around half per head of what is enjoyed in GB and Ireland. Arts groups, activities, artists and arts organisations cannot survive if something is not done. It is time to show how vital the arts are across NI and demand that MLAs increase the arts budget.

Three things to do:

1) Attend the Rally on Monday 10 December 2007 - 10.30am, Stormont

• All arts groups, artists and those who care about our creative future are called to gather at Carson’s statue at Stormont at 10.30am to head up the steps for 11.00am where a letter will be handed over to MLAs.
• Come dressed in your costume, or carrying the tools of your arts/crafts but most importantly bring a banner / placard with the name of your group/ artform / home town / who you work with so there is a strong visual signal about the broad reach of the arts.

(If you can get a group together ACNI may be able to arrange a bus to and from the Rally for you, register at www.keepourartsalive.com for this.)

2) Attend one of the local official consultations on the programme and budget

All run from 7.00pm to 9.00pm as follows:

• Thursday 29 November, Guildhall, Londonderry
• Monday 3 December, The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen
• Wednesday 5 December, Spires Conference Centre, Belfast
• Tuesday 11 December, Southern Education and Library Board Headquarters, Armagh.

Register for these with OFMDFM on 028 9092 0093 or pfgbudget@nics.gov.uk

The campaign website www.keepourartsalive.com has key points that you could make at these meetings.

3) Send in a response to the formal consultation about the budget

• Every submission counts - it's the official way to make your voice heard.

Visit www.caf.ie/artscampaign/emailer.aspfor an instant email to send, or compile your own using the template at www.keepourartsalive.com/SampleLetter.doc.

• Encourage all your staff, Board, volunteers and friends to send a submission as individuals as well as making one on behalf of any group or organisation you are involved in.

The consultation period closes 4 January 2008. Responses should be sent to arrive by the closing date to pfgbudget@nics.gov.uk.