Artists’ petition delivered to Government calling for safeguarding artists’ incomes

PRAXIS (The Artists Union of Ireland) members have presented a petition signed by over 1,500 artists and arts workers to Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, urging immediate action to safeguard their incomes amidst ongoing instability within the Arts Council.

The petition calls on the Minister to protect funding for artists and arts workers following a series of unresolved issues within the Arts Council, which have left the sector in a state of uncertainty.

Praxis representative, Cóilín O’Connell, said: “The arts sector is the backbone of Ireland’s cultural identity and our creative economy. Thousands rely on the support of the Arts Council to sustain their work and livelihoods. Any uncertainty regarding funding structures or policy changes risks destabilising an already precarious sector.

Praxis member, Janice de Broithe, said: “As a Union, we are calling on the Minister to guarantee no artist or arts worker will experience financial hardship or be left in any more limbo as a result of the ongoing review. The Minister must focus his attention on ensuring funding levels for artists and arts organisations are protected and not diminished due to administrative or technical failings outside their control.”

In addition to the petition, PRAXIS has formally requested a meeting with Minister O’Donovan to discuss long-term sustainable funding for the sector. The group emphasises that artists and arts workers cannot carry the can over systemic failures and are demanding transparency, stability, and commitment from the Minister and his Government colleagues.