Musician Davey Arthur and poet Peter Sirr are among leading lights from the arts world who have come together to promote Ireland's cultural activities abroad.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue today announced the establishment of Culture Ireland , a new independent agency with a €2 million annual budget.
It will be chaired by Professor Micheal O Suilleabhain and run by staff from within the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
It is also expected to advise the minister on international arts and cultural affairs.
"Culture Ireland will be charged with the building and maintenance of our cultural identity," Mr O'Donoghue said.
"Culture is perhaps the most resonant, identifiable and enduring aspects of our international identity and for the first time Ireland will now be able to take a formal proactive approach to the promotion of our artistic endeavours overseas."
"It will be a tremendous support for our working artists, providing them with facilitated access to new audiences and new markets. It will also be a great asset for the general enhancement of Ireland 's international profile."
The board of Culture Ireland is made up of a range of well-known and respected artists, administrators and arts patrons, including:
- Professor Micheal Ó Suilleabhain, composer, performer and academic,
- Davey Arthur, musician,
- Mary Cloake, Director, Arts Council,
- Dearbhla Collins, pianist and music teacher,
- Michael Grant, Assistant Secretary, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism,
- Mary McCarthy, Deputy Director, Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture ,
- Eve Molony, businesswoman,
- Mark Mulqueen, Director Irish Film Institute,
- Doireann Ní Bhriain, arts consultant and broadcaster,
- Gearoid Ó Broin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs,
- John O'Shea, traditional music promoter,
- Peter Sirr, poet,
- Patrick Sutton, Director, The Gaiety School of Acting.
The agency will support activities in theatre, music, dance, opera and film. Prof Micheal Ó Suilleabhain said the agency would formalise the important work that had been done over the years by government in promoting Ireland 's art overseas.
"This is an opportunity for Ireland to celebrate its many voices across many countries and continents, to lift up its own Diaspora in that celebration, and to continue to win the hearts and minds of an emerging global arts community," he said.
Prof Ó Suilleabhain said Culture Ireland would aim to strike a balance between tradition and innovation and would work with other bodies to fully exploit its promotional and educational roles.
"Culture Ireland , recognising the importance of the arts in setting the tone for Ireland globally, will seek to assist Enterprise Ireland where it can in focusing international attention on Ireland as a good place to work, to play, and to imagine new social, cultural, scientific, and economic vistas," he added.
The new board is due to report to the minister within 12 months with a three-year strategic plan for the agency.
PA