Lyons told BBC News NI that he was there to ” listen to those that are involved in arts across Northern Ireland.”
The minister added that he wanted “to hear solutions they have on how we can strengthen the sector,” and what government can do to “deliver the change we all need to see.”
He also heard about the “impact that the arts have on wider society”.
“We know that investment in the arts can really help in terms of the health outcomes of our people, education, economy. That’s why I am here today, to listen to that,” he added.
Lyons said that “it was a very positive meeting. It was really positive to hear all the views today.”
He hoped that takeaways from the meeting can allow him to “present to the executive and make the case for that additional funding.
“Not just for extra grants or add on or something that’s fluffy, but a real investment in our people, which will have a positive economic return.”
