The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €1.3 million in funding to support the promotion of Irish arts worldwide through Culture Ireland’s 2015 programme.

More than 100 artists and arts organisations across all art forms will benefit from the programme, which is focussed on strengthening Ireland’s international reputation for innovation and creativity.

“There will be a particular focus on Irish cultural events around the world over the course of the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day period, which provides an unrivalled opportunity to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture to an overseas audience", said Minister Humphreys. "Working closely with State agencies, such as Tourism Ireland, and our network of Embassies, we are actively promoting Irish culture and focussing international attention on Ireland as a place to come to visit or do business."

The Minister went on to reveal that the literary world will also benefit from the funding.

“Annual support is also being given to Ireland Literature Exchange to facilitate the translation of Irish writers into other languages and to promote Irish writing at international book fairs. Financial support for the Irish Film Institute International will also facilitate the promotion of Irish film globally at key film festivals. A range of other projects will be supported, including productions by Irish theatre companies and major tours by Irish musicians.”

The €1.3 million in funding will support international job opportunities for Irish artists and will lead to increased audiences for Irish artists worldwide. In the first half of 2014, Culture Ireland’s programme reached audiences of over 2.5 million and created over 6,000 employment days for Irish artists.