Arts Council Ireland apologises for ad campaign

Arts Council Ireland has apologised for an advertisement that likened the racism faced by singer Nina Simone to the struggles of artists during the pandemic.

Published in the Irish Times, the advert was part of a campaign focused on artists who faced challenges in their work and personal lives.

It received backlash on social media, with Twitter users branding it “shockingly ignorant” and “quite muddled and negative”.

The council has since apologised, agreeing the campaign “did not reflect [its] commitment” to equality and diversity.

“We got it wrong on this occasion – sorry.”