Arts & Culture - Tailored Cover, Specialist Expertise

05 October 2025

On the 13th of April 1742, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was performed publicly for the first time in Dublin’s Fishamble Street, to an audience of around 700. To allow more people to attend, ladies were asked to forgo hoops in their dresses. It was the cultural highlight of the year, underlining Ireland’s long tradition of art and performance as central to civic life.

That tradition of cultural life, central to Ireland’s identity, is why protecting the organisations that sustain it matters. Ecclesiastical was founded in 1887; our Irish operations began in 1980. Since then, we have worked alongside Ireland’s arts and cultural organisations, providing tailored cover and specialist expertise. Our partnerships with key stakeholders give us valuable insight into the risks and challenges this diverse sector faces.

Our Arts and Culture Policy

Our policy covers a wide spectrum of organisations — from national theatres and concert halls to local choirs and production companies. These include

Theatres and concert halls
Non-commercial galleries and museums
Libraries and visitor centres
Art house cinemas
Model villages and historic societies
Theatre production companies
Choirs and opera companies

Every policy can be tailored to suit the client, combining protection for physical assets, reputation, and governance.

Insurance Cover Available

Property & Assets	Liability & Governance	Specialist Protection
Buildings and contents Business interruption Loss of licence Equipment breakdown Fine art collections Money	Employers’ liability Public liability Hirers’ liability Trustees’ and management liability Directors’ and officers’ liability Professional indemnity	Reputational risk Fidelity guarantee Cyber cover Legal expenses

All cover is subject to underwriting criteria, terms and conditions

Culture 2025 – The National Framework

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media set out Ireland’s cultural vision in its framework, Culture 2025. It affirms:

“Everyone has the right to participate in the cultural and creative life of the nation.”

The framework highlights that a healthy cultural and creative life benefits both individuals and society. Participation can enrich lives, foster cohesion, and reduce isolation — helping to build resilient and sustainable communities. Culture 2025 also frames culture as central to Ireland’s identity: capturing the past, shaping the present, and imagining the future. Its guiding principles are:

Recognising the value of culture and creativity to the individual and society
Supporting creative practice and participation
Cherishing and safeguarding our cultural heritage.

Ecclesiastical and Cultural Resilience

Cultural organisations hold a unique place in society, safeguarding identity, belonging and expression. Protecting them means protecting more than buildings or collections — it means sustaining the heartbeat of communities and securing cultural experiences for future generations. Our specialist insurance solutions, informed by over 135 years of experience, help ensure that theatres, galleries, museums and cultural bodies can continue to thrive in the face of risk.

To explore how we can support your organisation, please contact your Insurance Broker