Arts community meet public reps

Artists and people working in the arts had a special opportunity to meet with their public representatives this week. Fine Gael TDs Jerry Buttimer and Dara Murphy, Labour TDs Kathleen Lynch and Ciaran Lynch and Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O’Brien made themselves available for an informal chat at a Meet & Greet session in Civic Trust House.

The event was one of many which took place across the country under the banner of the National Campaign for the Arts. Twenty-five artists, managers and facilitators were invited to discuss their concerns and to quiz the TDs on their personal priorities.

Issues raised with the politicians included the erosion of the arts from the education during the last years of the previous government, concerns about disproportionately low support being given to help marginalised communities to access the arts, and the need for continued state funding in order to allow arts companies and festivals to leverage private support.

Fine Gael’s pre-election policy to set up an Irish Arts & Culture television channel was discussed, and also the critical need to retain a long-term vision in the current climate. It is hoped that the event will encourage a new dialogue between the sector and government.