Arts groups facing 10% cuts. Should they be protected or face cuts with everyone else?

A host of the country's major arts organisations have been told to brace themselves for more cuts. Big names like the Grand Opera House, Ulster Orchestra, the Lyric and the Playhouse Theatres in Londonderry will all be hit. The Arts Council has told 32 groups to plan for up to 10% being slashed from their budget this year. Should a special case be made for the arts, or do they have to share the pain of Stormont cutbacks like everyone else?