Half of Northern Irish arts organisations unsure about future sustainability

A survey by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) reveals 55% of organisations in receipt of emergency funding will survive this financial year, but aren't sure about their longer-term sustainability.

ACNI has presented the finding to Stormont, and Chief Executive Roisin McDonough said MPs showed "great concern" for artists' wellbeing going forward.

"There can be no doubt that our artists and cultural sector will need continued financial assistance in 2021 and beyond if they are to survive and be sustained," McDonough said.

The survey also found 85% of organisations believed their scale would have reduced without the funding.

69% of organisations used their grants to maintain audience engagement, and 90% of artists who received individual grants said the stipend had protected their job.