Culture
01 Apr 25

Praxis: The Artists' Union of Ireland launches petition urging Minister O'Donovan to 'protect the future of artists and arts workers'

Members of Praxis meeting before the pandemic. Courtesy of Praxis.

The petition was made after concern from the Arts Council’s 2023 Annual Report.

Praxis: The Artists’ Union of Ireland has written a petition urging Minister O'Donovan to “protect the future of artists and arts workers.”

The online petition is available for artists, arts workers and supporters to sign. Given his role as Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Praxis makes five requests of O'Donovan:

1. Guarantee no artist or arts worker will experience financial hardship as a result of the ongoing review

2. Ensure funding levels for artists & arts organisations are protected & not diminished due to administrative or technical failings outside their control

3. Ensure the Arts Act 2003 & the core principle of arm’s-length funding – essential to the protection of artistic autonomy & freedom – will be upheld throughout

4. Commit that the process will be transparent & include meaningful consultation with artists, arts workers, & representative bodies

5. Prioritise future investment & the development of an equitable, functional & accessible Arts Council that serves the needs of those creating & enabling art in Ireland

Founded in 2021, Praxis aims to uplift artists and ensure fair compensation.

Individuals can sign the petition here.