Performers and creatives from across Northern Ireland came together on Monday 3 February with a united call for arts funding to be increased in the upcoming Stormont budget.
Hosted by Equity at the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) Belfast, the event brought together the creative community, including producers, theatres, agents, actors, stage management and creatives, along with politicians and media.
Speeches and performances showcased the passion and breadth of Northern Ireland creativity.
Equity member and actor Roisin Gallagher at the event (Credit: Neil Harrison)
BAFTA and IFTA nominee Róisín Gallagher (The Dry, The Lovers) said she was “proud” to have done 80% of her work in Belfast and on the island of Ireland, after having left to complete her professional training as a young aspiring actor. “Home, this city, is where I feel most creative, because it's where I feel most comfortable” she told the assembled audience.
But Róisín also shared her experience of juggling two or three jobs to get by and the toll that took on her, especially while trying to raise a young family. “I felt burnt out” she said. “When I did get a job as an actor that paid what it should I felt really lucky. But luck shouldn't come into it. The stark reality is that many NI artists do not see a future here.”
Northern Ireland receives the lowest per capita investment in arts funding of all the four UK nations. At £5.07 per head, it’s half of the investment seen in Scotland. The upcoming Stormont budget presents an opportunity to address that.
Equity general Secretary Paul W Fleming at the event (Credit: Neil Harrison)
Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming spoke of the “world of contrasts which our members inhabit”, contrasting attending glitzy drinks receptions and returning home to rented bedsits. “Our members are told their art is better when they are poor. They are undermined and called ‘luvvies’, which is just another word used to undermine working people.”
Paul continued: “We are an economic powerhouse that generates a 23% return for every penny spent. So why do our members in NI on average earn £11,000?”
Performances showcase arts reach
The audience enjoyed live music by Jolene O'Hara and the Arco String Quartet who performed special arrangements of ’Don’t Rain On My Parade’ and 'My Days’ from The Notebook.
Singer Jolene O'Hara performs at the event (Credit: Neil Harrison)
Equity members spoke directly about their experience of working as actors, storytellers, a clown doctor, educators, directors, and stage management, showing the reach that the arts have across communities and sectors of the economy.
Hundreds of postcards which were completed by audience members over the 2024 Christmas period were unveiled printed on banners hanging off the balcony level. Messages and pictures from children and adults explained why they love live shows, with examples including “it makes me feel free”, “it is an amazing place to make memories” and “it brings stories to life and feels good.”
Alice Adams Lemon, Equity Northern Ireland official, said: “This event shows the continued passion that our communities – from audiences to production companies and venues, to artists, musicians, actors and creatives – still have for campaigning to secure the funding the arts deserves and needs. The arts are uniquely placed to tell all of our stories."
Resist the cuts in Northern Ireland
