The Playhouse in Derry still can’t opened to the public for live events
He has urged Executive intervention to save the sector from collapse.
Said the Foyle MLA: “As we all look forward to a post-Covid society, on most ‘to do lists’ is the attendance at gigs, music festivals and live performances, waiting patiently for the joy these events undoubtedly bring.
“However, I fear that as the pandemic drags on and in the absence of adequate financial support, this vibrant industry which has boomed here in recent years will be left all but decimated.
“Music tourism alone generated £90 million to the Northern Ireland economy in 2018 and the events sector in its entirety rakes in serious investment year on year.
“In choosing not to appropriately fund such a lucrative industry, the Executive has shot itself in the foot.
“The live events industry was among the first to close, will likely be the last to open and the necessary financial support just hasn’t been there.
“It has left a workforce of 70% self-employed individuals with little to no employment for almost a year; including sound engineers, riggers, lighting teams, technicians- the unsung but integral team behind the curtain who allow the magic on stage to happen.
“The support schemes brought forward by the Communities Minister thus far have been nowhere near sufficient and once again the sector has found themselves locked out of the recently announced Large tourism and Hospitality Business Support Scheme.
“The Department for Economy explained ‘financial constraints’ as the rationale behind their exclusion.
“For them, news of the Executive’s £300 million Covid budget underspend, will be a bitter pill to swallow.
“I am acutely aware of the frustration of those within the industry who have tried every door, only to find it shut to them.
“The promise of a vibrant arts and live events landscape to return to, as the injection of colour back into our social lives is one many hold dear.
“The plight of the industry has been laid bare many times, the Executive’s inaction now will have and has already had dire consequences.
“Strengthened, meaningful investment from the Minister for Communities and her Executive colleagues is necessary to ensure every corner of the industry, and those within it, is covered.”
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