Lo says save our arts - Executive must provide more cash

12.37.00pm GMT Mon 10th Dec 2007

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo

After attending today's demonstration at Stormont, Alliance MLA Anna Lo has reiterated her support for the arts and called on the Executive to increase funding to secure its future. She said that a strong arts sector is vital to enhance tourism.

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo said: "Our arts sector needs far more support. They play a vital role in tourism, and attracting more visitors to Northern Ireland is an essential part of expanding our economy. Arts jobs are at risk and projects are being put in jeopardy. This is totally unacceptable.

"The cultural wealth that the arts bring cannot be overstated. Related activities play a massive role in bringing people together. They demonstrate that Northern Ireland is moving away from its troubled past and is now a vibrant region.

"Alliance has long supported the arts and we are proud to lend our support to today's protest. There were more MLAs from Alliance than any other party at the Stormont demonstration. That says it all. Its time the Executive gave the arts the funding they so richly deserve."

ENDS