A new study from Northern Ireland's Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has reported an increase in arts participation during 2009-10.

The statistics were revealed in the Experience of the Arts in Northern Ireland: Findings from the Continuous Household Survey 2009-10 - DCAL Research Findings study. More than three quarters of respondents (76 per cent) said they took part in arts activities in 2009-10, compared with 71 per cent in 2008-09.

Northern Ireland arts minister Nelson McCausland said: "It is also pleasing to know that there was an increase in the overall satisfaction with arts provision experienced both by all respondents and by those who participated in arts activities and/or attended arts events. "Since 2004, my Department has allocated over £37m in capital funding for arts projects. This recent significant investment in the arts infrastructure in Northern Ireland has contributed positively to this increase in attendance and participation levels in arts events."