Committee to Investigate Inclusion in the Arts

The Assembly Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure has announced today that it will carry out an Inquiry into the inclusion of working class communities in the arts. As part of its Inquiry, the Committee will be calling on arts venues, organisations, groups and individuals, to provide examples of best practice and to discuss current strategies to widen access, knowledge and inclusion.

Committee Chairperson, Michelle McIlveen MLA, said: "The Committee recognises that initiatives to maximise the inclusion of working class communities in the arts have already been implemented, many of which have been very successful. However, my Committee is concerned that more needs to be done to ensure that working class communities here have better access to the arts.

"The arts are a central part of the Committee's remit and our decision to hold this Inquiry reflects that. Participation in the arts can provide tremendous benefits and we believe that all communities should be provided with equal opportunity to get involved.

"During the course of our Inquiry we are keen to meet with as many arts based groups and individuals as possible to discuss the barriers that exist currently as well as any initiatives which have served to maximise inclusion."
ENDS