Public funding of the arts through the Arts Council supports almost 2,270 jobs in the sector, according to a report published today on the economic impact of the sector.
The report says the exchequer-funded posts generate annual turnover of €184 million and a return of €41.8 million in terms of tax revenues, including income tax, PRSI and VAT. The wider arts sector supports 20,755 jobs, and contributes €336 million in taxes.
The report, Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland, was written by Indecon and published by the Arts Council. It reflects the position last year and updates Indecon’s 2009 report on the sector. It is published as ministers juggle their budget priorities.
The Arts Council said its grant-in-aid had been reduced by €22 million or 25 per cent over the five years to this year, leading to “very significant jobs losses since the 2009 report and proportionate losses of VAT and other taxes to the exchequer”.
“The ability of arts organisations to support employment is directly related to overall income of arts organisations,” the Indecon report concludes. “This has been impacted by the constraints on public finances.” The chairwoman of the Arts Council, Pat Moylan, said: “This report shows . . . that, with smart investment, the arts are capable of stimulating more job creation and economic activity at a time we need it most.”
Total Arts Council funding to organisations and individuals amounted to €60 million in 2011.
Including the impact on the creative industries – including film and video, publishing, advertising, software, radio and television, libraries, archives, museums, etc – – the arts contribute €4.7 billion to the economy, supporting about 77,000 jobs.