Arts festivals and events in Monaghan are being encouraged to draw down their funding this year despite Covid-19. At a recent council meeting Sinn Fein's Sean Conlon asked if some of the money that would have been allocated to such events could be put aside for next year considering that many have had to cancel or postpone.
However, it was confirmed by Council Arts Officer, Somhairle Mac Conghail, that the allocated money from revenue had to be awarded in the year 2020 and cannot be held until next year.
Groups are being advised to claim the funding and use it for adapted events, specialist commissions of local artists or to put towards next year's event to improve it.
Speaking to Shannonside Northern Sound Somhairle said that many of the organizers had been thinking outside the box since the restrictions were implemented:
