The Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys launched the Creative Ireland Programme on Friday at the Irish Consulate in New York.

She also revealed details of Culture Ireland’s US programme for 2017. In total, Culture Ireland will provide €1m to Irish artists to showcase their work in the United States throughout 2017.

The Minister has also confirmed that her Department will provide €1m in funding to the Irish Arts Centre in New York, which is developing a new building in Manhattan that will act as a hub for Irish artists in the city.

Yesterday, the Minister met with the Speaker of New York City Council, Melissa Mark Viverito and the Irish Caucus of the Council to thank them for their contribution to the Centenary commemorations in New York in 2016.

The Culture Ireland US programme for 2017 includes a diverse range of Irish artists, including The Gloaming, Teada, Dervish, The Outside Track and McPeake, all of whom will tour the US this year.

Speaking at the launch today, Ms Humphreys said "Creative Ireland is the Irish Government’s ambitious five year programme to place culture and creativity at the heart of public policy. Today I am meeting with key stakeholders across the Irish arts sector in New York to speak to them about this important initiative, and ask them for their support.

"The Diaspora thoroughly embraced the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, and this is especially true here in New York where a series of commemorative events were held."

She concluded by saying "I am very pleased that my Department is providing €1 million in funding for Irish artists in the US this year, through Culture Ireland."