Written answers

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Arts Promotion

Photo of Derek NolanDerek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

673. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the role of Culture Ireland promoting the arts internationally; her further views on the sustainability of Culture Ireland; the changes that have been made to the role of Culture Ireland since 2008; the reaction Irish artists here and abroad have had to any such changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4858/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Culture Ireland Division of my Department promotes Irish arts worldwide, creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. I am satisfied that this promotional work continues to make a significant impact through Culture Ireland's regular grant rounds and showcase programme. Since its establishment in 2005, Culture Ireland has promoted and supported over 7,500 Irish cultural projects and events worldwide, ranging across music, theatre, dance, literature, film, visual art and architecture. This support has created significant goodwill and influence for Ireland and has helped to contribute to the strength of Ireland's reputation for creative excellence.

In line with a critical review of Culture Ireland undertaken as part of the Public Service Reform Plan in 2012, the functions of Culture Ireland were fully merged into my Department and an Expert Advisory Committee was established to oversee the programme, with representation from a range of bodies with a shared interest in Ireland’s international promotion, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism Ireland, the IDA and the Ireland Funds, as well as representation from the arts community. The Expert Advisory Committee works with my Department to ensure that the Culture Ireland Programme continues to promote Ireland's artists and gain further opportunities for them worldwide, while maximising the potential of Ireland's creative talent as a motivator for business and tourism interests for Ireland.

Culture Ireland continues to provide critical financial support for Irish artists for events and activities abroad. For many individual artists and companies, it is their international work which helps make a life in the arts sustainable. International presenters also value the support of Culture Ireland, both in terms of showcasing and introduction to new Irish talent, as well as in providing financial support to assist artists' travel.

In 2014, Culture Ireland supported over 300 events, which reached audiences of over 3 million and a further 6 million television viewers. During last year also, Culture Ireland focused on a number of special initiatives, including in particular the hugely successful Ceiliuradhconcert in the Royal Albert Hall, which formed part of the State visit by President Higgins to Great Britain. This role in delivering high profile international programmes is a key element of the work of Culture Ireland.

In 2015, I have maintained the level of Culture Ireland's funding, which is a measure of the importance I place on its work, and I am confident that it will continue to operate effectively on the international promotion of Irish arts into the future.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.