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THERE IS a bandwagon rolling through the country at the moment and there’s a danger it could break down under the weight of the number of people jumping on it. It was set in motion at the Global Economic Forum in Farmleigh last September when one particular idea very much came to the fore – the key role of the arts in our economic regeneration.

Since Farmleigh the notion that “Brand Ireland” is synonymous with our creativity has commanded attention that was unimaginable not so long ago. This championing of the importance of the arts is a welcome recognition of their value and there is a great deal of merit in exploring, and supporting through adequate investment, the potential of this great resource.