Thursday 10th July 2025, PRAXIS members along with a representative from SIPTU and the National Campaign For the Arts presented a petition signed by over 1,500 artists and arts workers to Minister Patrick O’Donovan, urging immediate action to safeguard their incomes amidst ongoing instability within the Arts Council.
The petition called on the Minister to protect funding for artists and arts workers following a series of unresolved issues within the Arts Council, which have left Ireland’s vibrant cultural sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and economy, facing severe instability and uncertainty.
Praxis representatives had a productive discussion with the assistant secretary of the department, where the urgency of artists and arts workers not suffering financial hardship as a result of the ongoing Arts Council review was strongly emphasised. Praxis representatives discussed the importance that funding the Arts Council provides to the sector as well as the significance for artists in maintaining and expanding the Basic Income for Artists scheme. Praxis representatives called on the minister to ensure that support from the department continues for both funding the Arts Council and BIA.
In addition to the petition, PRAXIS has formally requested a meeting with Minister O’Donovan to discuss long-term sustainable funding for the sector. The group emphasises that artists and arts workers cannot carry the can over systemic failures and are demanding transparency, stability, and commitment from the Minister and his Government colleagues.
The larger we grow as a union the stronger our ability to affect positive change in the arts sector. Join Praxis today to amplify your voice on the issues that affect artists and arts workers!
Video Description: Members of PRAXIS, SIPTU and the NCFA discuss the petition outside the office of the minister for culture.
