The Arts Council has released its annual Equality Data and Arts Council Awards report, which covers disability, ethnicity and gender in the individual awards granted in 2022.

Key findings show that females, white Irish individuals and Dublin-based artists are “disproportionately over-represented”, while applications from people with disabilities, Travellers, and Black Irish males are more likely to be classified as ineligible.

The report states that females made up 56.5% of award recipients, while making up 50.6% of the general population according to the 2022 Census.

White Irish people, who make up 76.6% of the population, received 79% of awards.

Those who identify as having a disability received 9.3% of  awards. The same group makes up 14% of the general population.

The highest average value of applications is from individuals who identify as Asian or Asian Irish – Other, €11,947, as is the highest average value of awards, €11,914.

The second highest average value of applications is from Black or Black Irish – African applicants €11,014, although their average award value is only €9,799.

“The results... are essential for increasing our understanding of the challenges faced by artists in Ireland today." Dr Suha Shakkour, Head of EDI

Our annual Equality Data & Arts Council Awards report for 2022 is available now

Read in full: https://t.co/ynQwW6xKpQ pic.twitter.com/Kga5HVZfQz

— The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon (@artscouncil_ie) August 22, 2023

Overall, the majority of applications were from females at 56%.  The report found female applicants to be under-represented in Music, Film, Traditional Arts, Architecture, and Irish Literature.

Male applicants were under-represented in Visual Arts, Circus, and YPCE, as well as in the schemes by Create and Arts and Disability Ireland.

Males who identified as Irish Traveller (44%) or Black/Black Irish – African (28%) were most likely to be categorised as ineligible.

Non-binary applicants tend to request more funding and they overall receive more.  Non-binary applications were highest in Dublin at 46%.

In terms of geography, Dublin had 40% of applicants, (versus 28% of population in census) and 42.5% of awards.

The data also suggested that Westmeath had 3 times more female applicants, while Kilkenny and Mayo had twice as many female applicants.

“True equality, diversity, and inclusion in the arts requires not only embracing the differences that make us unique but also dismantling the barriers that have historically excluded voices and perspectives,” said Maureen Kennelly, Arts Council Director.

Dr Suha Shakkour, head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Arts Council said  “ the results from the Equality Data and Arts Council Awards are essential for increasing our understanding of the challenges faced by artists in Ireland today,” and that the Arts Council will “use the data to develop specific actions to directly address these barriers”.