A Co Down councillor has voiced his concern of local arts and culture groups facing potential cuts to council funding.
Applications for financial assistance from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) will open in March.
The upcoming arts and culture budget has not yet been agreed for with many local groups relying on the essential money being available.
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Downpatrick councillor, Gareth Sharvin (SDLP) said: "I would have deep concerns as there is no amount of funding in place for arts and culture and that the funding could be at a lower level than last year.
"I would like to seek reassurance from the council that the arts and grants funding will go ahead and will be at the same level as last year.
"I certainly will not be agreeing to any cuts to this funding."
A council officer of the active and healthy committee responded:"All of our operations are run at a risk with a caveat of subject to funding.
"The funding for the arts and culture financial assistance will be a matter for the enterprise, regeneration and tourism (ERT) committee as it sets the funding and has control of the budget.
"I will seek assurances from the ERT and report back."
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