Almost three quarters of artists in Ireland are unhappy with the available arts spaces in their area and 59% are considering emigration according to the results of a new arts survey conducted by Sinn Féin.

The all-Ireland survey, which was announced in April, received 1,123 responses, 24% of whom were musicians. The survey included nine questions and covered topics such as local arts facilities and spaces, the work of the Arts Council, the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot, and current engagement with the arts. 

The key findings showed that money (83%) was the main barrier to engaging in ‘creation, performance, or the enjoyment of art’ with 40% citing time as a factor.

10% of the respondents said they were in receipt of the BIA and 79% said their experience had been positive. The same figure (79%), however, also felt that the BIA pilot should be distributed on the basis of financial need and merit rather than by random lottery.

When respondents were asked if any artist or arts worker they knew was planning to emigrate, 59% said yes. This rose to 70% in Dublin. When asked what would make them stay in Ireland, reduced rental costs, increased arts space, affordable housing and better funding were cited.

Respondents in 30 of the 32 counties were not satisfied with the arts spaces available to them. Overall, 74% expressed dissatisfaction. The figure was 83% in Limerick, 82% in Wexford and 81% in Galway.

As regards respondents’ experience with Arts Councils north and south and other state funding bodies, 22% said their experience was positive, 27% said it was negative, and 48% said their experience was neutral.

Commenting on the results, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, said the results ‘should serve as stark reading for all of us who care about the arts in Ireland.’ As well as statistical data, respondents provided additional submissions and Ó Snodaigh said that Sinn Féin ‘continue to analyse the further detailed answers provided by participants to our questions with a view to shaping our policy, and we are eager to meet with key stakeholders to discuss what is needed.’

To view the full survey results, see below.

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See also: Labour Party to Host Public Meeting on Arts Spaces in Dublin