There is a pressing need for a culture strategy to recognise all ideas, customs and social behaviour are part of our shared society, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said.

Ms Armstrong was speaking after Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín announced over £15 million in funding to the Arts Council and indigenous language partner bodies, as part of the previously announced £29 million package agreed by the Executive.

“It is welcome more of this money has been released and it will come as a relief to many organisations who have been waiting. I also look forward to the Department for Communities releasing funds for individuals as soon as possible,” said Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong.

“However, we cannot allow our cultural sector to break down into a ‘one for you and one for me’ approach, with a cycle of funding for single-identity issues or areas, keeping people across the community separate. Arts and culture bring much value to our society and are perfectly placed to unite people.

“There needs to be an all-encompassing strategy that recognises culture – including ideas, customs or social behaviour – is part of our shared society, so we can embrace our past and our future, enabling us to move forward together in a positive manner.”