Phelan welcomes report on economic value of arts, culturae and heritage
Labour Party councillor and chair of the Kilkenny Heritage Forum Ann Phelan has welcomed the publication of a report commissioned by the Arts Council which has highlighted the economic value of culture and heritage.
This report emphasises that the arts sector is worth €782 million a year to the economy and employs 26,519 people. At a time when all of government spending is under review in the wake of the McCarthy Report and in anticipation of the Budget this report clearly sets out the importance of this sector to the economy.
“Unfortunately the arts is seen as an easy target,” Cllr Phelan said.
“Arts funding has suffered two consecutive hits in the two budgets in the last year. With this report we can finally show that the arts sector is a huge boost to the economy and that cutting funding to arts organisations will lead to a reduction in spending and employment in the economy. Nowhere is this more important than to Kilkenny’s economy as it may be the only way we can grow, through tourism.
“It is vital that this sector is supported as the arts nurture the spiritual and cultural elements of society. If we turn off the tap of State support it will take years to recover. Examples of the benefits to the Kilkenny economy include Kilkenny Arts Festival which in 2004 earned €5 to €6 million over the 10 day period. The festival generated over 10,000 bed nights €226,000 for hotels, €165,000 for B&Bs, and €66,000 for self catering.
“If we want to grow our way out of this banking and housing depression then we need to continue to support those industries that are providing jobs and money in the economy.”
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