When global icons like Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody step forward to support the music community, it’s more than just generosity—it’s a call to action. Their work with grassroots organisations, music education, and emerging talent not only inspires but also highlights a critical issue: the chronic underfunding of the arts in Northern Ireland.
On a recent visit to Belfast to launch his new foundation, Ed Sheeran highlighted the economic contribution of music which generates £7.6 billion annually for the UK economy. Northern Ireland, he emphasised, plays a significant part in this success. He regularly collaborates with Northern Irish talent, from taking artists like Ryan McMullan and Foy Vance on tour to co–writing with Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol – crediting them as instrumental to his own career. His words reinforce a powerful truth: Northern Ireland is a wellspring of world class musical talent.
From award–winning composers like Sheridan Tongue and Hannah Peel to Grammy–nominated hip–hop artist Jordan Adetunji, electronic duo Bicep, and singer–songwriter SOAK, Northern Ireland’s artistic output is extraordinary. The Lyric Theatre’s acclaimed productions, such as Agreement and Good Vibrations, continue to gain traction internationally. And this only scratches the surface—fashion, design, and visual arts thrive here too. Imagine the possibilities with meaningful investment. The film industry’s remarkable success is proof of what’s possible.
Ed and Gary also stressed the broader impact of music on economic, social, health, and cultural scales. Yet they both recognise a harsh reality—music, arts education, and the arts as a whole are severely underfunded.
A Stark Funding Gap
The problem is glaring. Last year, during an arts roundtable with the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, it was revealed that just 1% of the Department for Communities’ (DFC) budget is allocated to the arts. Despite promises to advocate for more funding, little ever changes.
In fact, more cuts seem likely.
Over the past decade, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) has faced relentless cuts, with its budget slashed by over 40% in real terms.
In the meeting with the Minister, Gary Lightbody highlighted the stark funding disparities across the UK and Ireland:
- Republic of Ireland: £25 per capita
- Wales: £10 per capita
- Northern Ireland: £5 per capita
This woeful level of investment is unsustainable, especially for organisations that are already stretched to breaking point.
The value of arts and culture
On his recent visit, Ed also stressed the importance of music for mental well–being. The idea that music, arts and culture is good for your health and improves your quality of life has long been argued. And now, following the conclusion of a major UK piece of research by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), evidence points to the fact that the arts improve quality of life and productivity, with an estimated impact of £8 billion a year. Going to a gig, the theatre or a cultural event can keep you out of a GP surgery for longer and benefits can include alleviating pain, depression, and less need for medication.
And that’s not all. Beyond health, the arts contribute to tourism, hospitality, heritage, and civic pride. Vibrant cities and towns, bustling venues, and a diverse workforce all rely on the creators behind the scenes.
The benefits are endless.
So what now?
Unlike other regions, NI lacks a government department explicitly dedicated to culture or the arts. Instead, these responsibilities fall under the DFC, whose remit also includes housing, employment and social security. It is a vast and diverse portfolio for one department. While these are critical priorities, the arts need focused support within the Executive. During my time on the Cultural Task Force during Covid and the subsequent work around a 10–year arts strategy, the idea of an Arts Champion was floated and it is an idea that I feel could be a small but significant step in the right direction. The appointment of an NI Mental Health champion by the Department for Health proves it can be done.
Music and the arts are not luxuries—they are integral to our culture, economy, and communities. Recent announcements, like the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy’s £60 million UK package for creative industries, cultural organisations and local venues are encouraging.
With strong leadership, proper funding, and a shared vision, not only should the arts benefit from this announcement, it should also be recognised that we can support the ambitions of the new Programme for Government.
The arts have the power to transform lives, and it’s time the value of its contribution is recognised and invested in properly.
Charlotte Dryden is the Chief Executive of the award winning Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast. Charlotte has been involved in the NI music community for over 20 years. She has a background in leadership, talent development, music and festival programming, venues, event management, music media and journalism. She initiated several of the key programmes at Oh Yeah including the Scratch My Progress talent development scheme and Women’s Work, a unique ground–breaking initiative for Belfast celebrating women in music. Charlotte chaired the committee set up by Belfast City Council which led to the successful bid for Belfast to become a UNESCO City of Music in 2021.
