Culture, Arts and Leisure was the next committee we got the chance to speak to about the voluntary and community sector and cuts in public funding.  Seamus was up again this time flanked by Kevin Murphy from Voluntary Arts Ireland and Katrina Newell from New Lodge Community Arts.  They had both really done their homework and produced some great examples of the positive contribution of arts organisations. In my seat at the side of proceedings I had a good view of the reaction of the Committee members and the most nods of approval came when Kevin explained how voluntary arts groups complement funding from government with an average of 75% more funding from other sources and Katrina showed how New Lodge Arts delivers real value for money with its partnership working.  You can listen to what we said here at 5.15 in part two

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/culture/2007mandate/audio/multimedia.htm