The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Heather Humphreys, T.D. met the Arts Council this Wednesday afternoon at its offices in Merrion Square, Dublin 2. This was Ms Humphreys first visit to the Council’s premises and she was greeted on arrival by its Chair, Sheila Pratschke, and Director, Orlaith McBride. Established in 1951, the Arts Council is the Irish government agency for funding and developing the arts.
During the visit, Minister Humphreys was given an update on the work of the Arts Council. Council members spoke about the importance of the arts in the lives of all our citizens, the need for increased resources for artists and arts organisations and the key social, educational and economic role the arts play in Ireland today.
The meeting also discussed Ireland 2016, the Government’s programme to commemorate 1916 which includes a range of major initiatives by the Arts Council. Last month the Council made available a budget of €1 million in an ‘open call’ to artists and arts organisations for ambitious, national projects. Applications for the projects closed this evening, with the Minister and the Council saying they were already encouraged by the initial response of some 300 submissions. Other projects as part of the Arts Council’s 2016 Programme include a national choral event in partnership with RTÉ, a series of special artists’ bursaries and a touring programme.
Minister Humphreys said: “I am very pleased to take this opportunity to meet with Arts Council, and in particular to discuss the Council’s priorities as we approach the 2016 commemorations. The Arts Council is a central element of the Government’s plans for Ireland 2016. I am particularly excited about the Council’s ‘open call’ for large scale artistic projects. Ireland is awash with artistic talent, and I believe there is huge potential to create arts projects that will really capture the public’s imagination and provide a meaningful tribute to the 1916 Rising.”
Ms Pratschke said: “We met with the Minister shortly after her appointment but this was our first formal meeting to highlight the opportunities for the further funding and development of the arts, and in particular to discuss Ireland 2016 and the key role the Arts Council will play in the programme. We look forward to working with the Minister in the months ahead.”
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