The Fleadh showed us what it looks like when you invest in and promote the arts.
But whilst Belfast was hosting, Stormont has been dragging its feet over a budget crisis, putting jobs and communities at risk. So we’re calling a Day of Action in Stormont to Save the Arts on Tuesday 8 September.
Will you join us to Save the Arts and Lobby Stormont?
We’re asking supporters to sign up to meet with their MLA on Tuesday 8 September, to end the budget the crisis and demand an Arts Policy.
Equity will support you every step of the way, from an online briefing call to answer all your questions, to giving you a meeting script and escorting you at Stormont on the day!
You'll be joining dozens of arts supporters from across Northern Ireland, so take two minutes now to send your meeting request, and help us Save the Arts: Lobby Stormont!
The crisis
Funding collapse
At just £5.07 per head, Northern Ireland Arts Council (ACNI) receives the lowest per capita arts council funding of anywhere in the UK - less than half that of the second-lowest, Wales.
A cut of over 40% to Arts Council Northern Ireland funding over the past 10 years has deeply impacted artists, producers and communities.
Broken promises
The Minister responsible for ACNI funding (from Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities), Gordon Lyons MLA, has promised an Arts Policy since 2025. It is yet to appear.
Before then, the Arts Council provided a 10 year plan for 2024-2034. The same Minister refused to sign this off.
On 3 July 2025 the Committee for Communities asked the Minister to create an arts and culture strategy and secure proper funding for the arts. We are still waiting.
Why is this important?
Arts and culture jobs in Northern Ireland are at risk, putting the communities they serve at risk.
The evidence is clear that investing in the arts boosts the economy, supports mental health, physical health, social wellbeing, and community cohesion. Arts and culture are at the centre of good living, not on the periphery.
But the Minister isn’t worried about losing the arts or the impact on our communities. He’s certainly not doing anything to demonstrate otherwise.
Join our day of action
We are organising a day of action on 8 September and it starts with YOU!
Write to your MLA and ask them to meet with you on 8 September. This is the day that the Minister Gordon Lyons will be asked questions in Stormont. We want as many people as possible talking to MLAs on site to put as much pressure as possible on the Minister and on those parties that do not yet have arts policies. Tell them that the people of Northern Ireland deserve more than just a fiver.
It's easy.
1. Send your request to your MLA for a meeting on Tuesday 8 September.
Once you have a meeting with your MLA on Tuesday 8 September, here's what happens next...
2. Let us know if you get a reply, YES or NO via this online form. We want you to join our rally on the day whether or not you get a meeting. So let us know!
3. Join one of our online briefing calls on Wedesday 2 Sept to hear about the plan for the 8 September, get your meeting script, and answer any questions you have! RSVP online here.
4. Join the Day of Action Whatsapp group, to get crucial updates and share information. Join here:
See you there!
