Tax breaks for low income artists, drama studies for the Leaving Certificate and guaranteed council funds for culture are among arts proposals launched by the Social Democrats. The party wanted funding for the sector, at a minimum, to match that of other countries and be 0.4% of GDP, the EU average. Party Dublin Bay South candidate Sarah Durcan warned of the need to support artists, many of whom were leaving Dublin because of high costs and rents. Affordable living spaces for artists should also be encouraged, say the party, while it wants an expansion of tax breaks for low income artists. Speaking at the Temple Bar launch of the proposals, Social Democrats Dublin Central candidate Gary Gannon said: "The arts has to be a much bigger consideration.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2020 12:45 UTC