Almost €40,000 in arts grants approved by Tipperary County Council

Thirty-five Tipperary arts groups and organisations are to benefit from €38.350 in grant funding.

The Arts Act Grant allocations were approved by elected members at this week’s sitting of Tipperary County Council.

This year’s allocations represented a 45% increase in applications.

County Cathaoirleach Roger Kennedy said arts activity in the county was a “great promotion for Tipperary.”

Tipperary County Council Chief Executive Joe Macgrath said funding for arts is “money well spent.”

Nenagh councillor Ger Darcy praised the “vibrant artistic activity in the county.

Clonmel councillor Siobhan Ambrose said it was great to see Tipperary County Council acknowledge the value of the county’s events and said the fund was a “lifeline to artists.”

Thurles councillor Sean Ryan said the increase in demand showed just how many people wanted their events back after the pandemic.

GREAT WORK

This year’s funding increased from €32,562 last year to €40,000 this year.

According to the brief, the Arts Act Grant Scheme is intended to:

“Assist groups and organisations in stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, or in improving standards in the arts in the county.”

Based on that, councillors were presented with a set of 35 projects and their respective grant allocations assessed by the arts officer.

These included community circus and theatre projects as well as events , film and art.

Those recommendations were proposed by Siobhan Ambrose and seconded by Declan Burgess, thus approving the allocations.

Cllr Sean Ryan thanked Melanie Scott from the arts office for her work and her help with this year’s St Patrick’s Day events.

“I know how hard Melanie works,” said Cllr Ryan.

MORE NEEDED

Thurles councillor Jim Ryan acknowledged the ‘great work’ by the arts office and welcomed the allocations and increase funding.

However, he said more still was needed. Cllr Ryan said the groups organising the events would struggle with increases in costs if not given more money.

“It is simply not enough money for all of the festivals,” said Cllr Ryan. Mr MacGrath said in reply that he cannot offer “any hope for more this year”.

But he did suggest examining the possibility for the Budget 2024 and through municipal district funding.