The Arts Council launches a review of the theatre sector that will contribute to future policy and funding.
'Views of Theatre in Ireland' is a 270 page review compiled by the Graduate School of Business at University College Dublin, together with Coopers and Lybrand. The study has gathered the biggest ever data set on professional theatre in Ireland. The hope is that the research will inform future policy and funding for theatre.
The annual turnover for theatre in Ireland is £17 million, 52 per cent of income is earned, 30 per cent comes from an Arts Council subsidy, 10 per cent comes from FÁS, and just two per cent is contributed by local authorities. Those who responded to the survey indicated that problems in the theatre industry were caused primarily by a lack of funding. 2,649 people are employed in the theatre sector. However, much of the work is short term and part time. The review also indicates that salaries in the sector are notoriously low.
Acting, writing or directing are seen as a good or excellent standard but production, management and marketing are not so highly regarded.
This review also says that the Arts Council needs greater transparency in how it arrives at funding decisions.
Ciaran Benson, Arts Council chairman, says the review provides and reflection and indications for the direction of theatre policy.
Over the next year, there will be a series of regional meetings with those working in the sector about the future. The review was launched by Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael D Higgins, who spoke about the exceptional talent in Irish theatre but the combined response from the state and business sectors was far from satisfactory.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 November 1995. The reporter is Colm Connolly.
