Equity is highlighting the ongoing lack of government investment in the arts in Northern Ireland through a campaign running throughout the festive season.
This campaign emphasises the vital role the arts play in our communities and encourages audiences across Northern Ireland to show their support. Equity has placed postboxes in venues hosting pantomimes and Christmas shows across NI, inviting audiences to share their feedback about the value of the arts.
The feedback collected will be sent directly to the Minister for Finance as she considers the 2025 budget, making a strong case for increased investment in the sector.
Northern Ireland’s arts funding, through Arts Council NI, remains significantly lower than in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Equity is calling on everyone to help advocate for change while enjoying the festive season!
If you spot an Equity postbox at a show, please take a moment to post a card—and encourage everyone with you to do the same. The postboxes will remain in venues across NI until January 2025.
The cards also include a link to a page where you can learn more about the campaign and even write directly to the Minister for Finance from your theatre seat. You can access this page and send your message to the Minister here.
If you’re active on social media, please take a picture of the postbox and yourself posting a card, then share it on X and Instagram by tagging @EquityNIBranch. The more shares, the stronger the message will be—so every post counts!