South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo said: “People should support the local arts as much as they can this Christmas. They should keep in mind the high quality artworks, jewelry and crafts that can be found in Northern Ireland. These items make brilliant presents for friends and family.
“I am buying two locally produced prints as two of my presents for loved-ones this year.
“Its so easy for people to stick to buying presents in our high streets in towns up and down the country, but people should try to put a little more thought into their Christmas shopping list this year.
“Our arts sector needs the support of local people to help it survive and flourish because the Executive’s budget will do very little to help their plight. Only this week I, and a number of other Alliance MLAs took part in a protest at Stormont, at the lack of government funding earmarked for the arts.
“Lets show the local arts industry how much we value the work they produce and think about them when we are deciding what presents we want to buy.”
ENDS