WIREDGOV

The Assembly Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure has announced yesterday 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."

Notes to Editors:

The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure is calling on individuals and organisations involved in the Arts to contact the Committee to provide their views. More information on how to submit evidence can be found on the Northern Ireland Assembly website via the following link http://nia1.me/1uk. 

Committee Membership:
Michelle McIlveen MLA (Chairperson)
William Irwin MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Dominic Bradley MLA
David Hilditch MLA
William Humphrey MLA
Rosaleen McCorley MLA
Basil McCrea MLA
Michael McGimpsey MLA
Karen McKevitt MLA
Oliver McMullan MLA
Cathal Ó hOisín MLA