Ireland/ 2. General objectives and principles of cultural policy  

2.3 Cultural policy objectives

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has overall responsibility for the formulation, development and evaluation of policy and structures in the arts and purports (http://www.pobail.ie/en/Arts/) "to provide an appropriate resource, policy and legislative framework to support the stimulation and development of the Arts in Ireland, such that economic returns and employment, and access to and participation in the arts by all sections of Irish society, are maximised". Recognising current constraints the Department has published a National Interactive Strategy as an Approach to Arts and Culture Support in a Challenged Funding Environment.

The goals of the Arts Council have been enunciated as follows in their most recent strategy document:

• supporting artists of all disciplines to make work of excellence;
• promoting public access, participation and engagement in the arts; and
• demonstrating and facilitating the important contribution the arts make to the social and economic well-being of Ireland

Support for artistic creativity and participation in cultural life firmly underpins the policies of both the Department and the Arts Council while concern for the protection and promotion of the national identity is reflected in the initiatives to promote the Irish language and culture and the Gaeltacht areas (see also chapter 4.2.5).

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