Ireland s entertainment sector at unmatched competitive disadvantage
The pandemic could be an opportunity to reset the blunt, one-size-fits-all laws that have put Ireland’s creative sector at a massive competitive disadvantage, writes Simon Price
The Irish creative and entertainment sector has laboured under a competitive disadvantage that would not be tolerated by any other industry.
Thu, 11 Mar, 2021 - 06:30
Simon Price
Long-running anxiety about the depletion of performance, arts and cultural venues was given a different spin in 2020 – all it took was everything closing down.
The shift from live concerts to online streaming brought about by the pandemic has given audiences and artists an opportunity to enjoy high-quality original Irish music presented from national parks, stately homes, art galleries, iconic landmarks and other venues not ordinarily open to public performance.
Minister Martin launches â¬50m suite of measures to support the Live Performance Sector
â¬14m new support scheme for live entertainment businesses
â¬5m to local authorities for outdoor live performances
â¬5m capital supports for live entertainment sector
â¬1m to St. Patrickâs Festival
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, today announced a new â¬50m suite of measures to support the commercial live performance sector to assist producers, promoters, venues and musicians.
Minister Martin said: I am very pleased to announce the commencement of these schemes which will help support Irelandâs entertainment industry so they can weather the storm of ongoing closures due to the crisis.