The Labour party has proposed a global Irish arts forum, aimed at celebrating work by Irish artists both in Ireland and across the world.
The event would be held in Dublin, and the Tánaiste Joan Burton has said she hopes work would get under way before next summer.
Speaking at the Labour party Arts Policy Forum in Dublin tonight, the Tánaiste said she believes "that such an event could provide an opportunity to map a strong and healthy future for Irish arts and culture at home and abroad, and would give in impetus and focus to the implementation of the policy that will arise from the Culture 2025 process that is now under way.
"Arts policy should never actually be led by economic considerations or by a crude cost/benefit exercise. Investment in the arts and providing decent support for artists is something that we should do, not because we can make a good business case for it -important and all as that is - but because it makes this country a better place for everybody who lives here," she added.
The proposal comes amid continued criticism over the level of arts funding in the country.
The Arts Council received funding of €59.1m in the recent budget - a €2.5m increase compared to the previous year.
Responding to the allocation, Arts Council Chair Sheila Pratschke said this is still not enough, and that it was a "devastating blow" to struggling artists and arts organisations.
“The Government continues to assert that Ireland is a hub of creativity, innovation and flexible thinking, and a smart place to invest in," she said. "Credible investment in the arts and culture sector is a vital demonstration of this commitment. I feel that the announcement of our funding... undermines that commitment".
Speaking ahead of this evening's Labour event, Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the party "has a fantastic track record in promoting the arts... and we want to continue that legacy into the future".
Minister for Culture @AodhanORiordain speaking on our record on arts promotion ahead of our #ConnollyCafe Arts Forum pic.twitter.com/PcZ3hdKy8t
— The Labour Party (@labour) October 29, 2015
