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A Co Down councillor has voiced concerns over local arts and culture groups facing potential cuts to council funding.
Applications for financial assistance from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) will open in March.
The arts and culture budget has not yet been agreed for 2023/24 with many local groups relying on the essential money being available. Last year Council funded a total of £114,325 to 13 different projects.
Downpatrick councillor, Gareth Sharvin (SDLP) said: “I would have deep concerns as there is no amount of funding in place for arts and culture and that the funding could be at a lower level than last year.
“I would like to seek reassurance from the council that the arts and grants funding will go ahead and will be at the same level as last year.
“I certainly will not be agreeing to any cuts to this funding.”
A council officer at the active and healthy committee responded: “All of our operations are run at a risk with a caveat of subject to funding.
“The funding for the arts and culture financial assistance will be a matter for the enterprise, regeneration and tourism (ERT) committee as it sets the funding and has control of the budget.
“I will seek assurances from the ERT and report back.”
Without the Arts and Culture funding many of last years incredible projects may not have happened.
Arts and Culture Projects awarded funding by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in 2022/23
South Armagh Business Improvement Group: A photography competition, exhibition and promotional campaign centred on "Show Casing" the South Armagh area. £7,775
Down Community Arts: Downtime Summer Festival £10,000
Aonach Mhacha: Kindred Spirits/ Anamchairde 2022 £2,000
Tumbling Paddy: Hilltown Heritage Weekend £10,000
Sticky Fingers Arts: A Tale of Two Cities £10,000
Newcastle CCÉ: Seachtain an Dóchais (week of hope) £10,000
Newry 2020: Iúr Cinn Fleadh £10,000
Schomberg Society Kilkeel: The Reivers Tattoo £10,000
Rowallane and Slieve Croob Community Twinning Group: Past to Present to Future - Powerpoint to video to film - Rowallane archive of local heritage - preserving the past and shaping the future
Downpatrick Community Collective: Culture Night 2022: £7,7500
Sir Hans Sloane Centre: Historical architecture of Killyleagh and Shrigley £9,000
Hilltown Community Association: Hilltown Storytelling Festival £10,000
Newry BID: Summer Saturdays Summer Sundays £8,000
