Study recommended on the impact of the arts in combating social disadvantage – Corcoran Kennedy

Fine Gael TD and member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy has, today (Wednesday), presented recommendations from the committee for a comprehensive study on the impact of funding through the arts, to combat social disadvantage, and to promote social inclusion.   Deputy Corcoran Kennedy proposed the drafting of this report and chaired the working group that put it together.

“Before any major policy changes are made to funding for the arts, I believe it is very important that we have a conversation on the potential for the arts to combat social disadvantage in society. The Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht has published a draft report with recommendations for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and I hope that I and my committee colleagues, will have the opportunity to discuss the recommendations in detail with the Minister.

“It is well known that utilising the arts, to promote social inclusion and to combat exclusion and disadvantage, works. International research tells us that this is an effective approach in long term development.

“Today the committee has called for the presentation of evidence based research to prove that funding will have a significant and positive effect on social inclusion and will work towards reducing social disadvantage.  

“The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht would coordinate with Ireland’s universities and institutes of technology to access research, and it is also hoped that groups directly involved in promoting social inclusion will contribute.  

“What the committee is looking for from this study is real examples of how the arts can help the socially disadvantaged, how people are given chances and opportunities, how people can learn new skills and discover talent, that improve their standard of living. We want to learn about best practises so we get the best out of any funding allocated.

“In Ireland we have a strong tradition of taking part in the arts. They add considerably to our standard of life and widen our social circle. We should recognise the arts, not only as a nice pass time for many people, but as a truly effective way to combat social disadvantage, and funding should be allocated in accordance with this.”