A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council, bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and online performances. Among those to benefit will be local and regional museums, which are often of great educational value to their local communities but also to visitors to Ireland looking to understand the social and working lives of their Irish ancestors.Speaking today, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said: “Over the last few months we have had many days of sorrow and suffering. In times like this we see the true value of culture to society – the books, the films, the songs, the plays – all the different forms of culture that entertain as well as enlighten.
"The pandemic hasn’t been easy for our artists and cultural institutions, and I know their livelihoods have been hit hard. So today, on Bloomsday, we are announcing an additional €25m to help our arts and culture sector across our country, and show our thanks and our commitment to our artists and cultural institutions at this time."
The programme will be administered by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.