THE ARTS must be “husbanded” through difficult times, given that cultural tourism is worth €5 billion annually to the economy, Arts Council director Mary Cloake has said.
Such is Ireland’s international standing in the arts that the sector is akin to a major natural resource, with consequent responsibilities for same, Ms Cloake said at last night’s opening of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway.
“In contrast to our reputation perhaps with banking, the creative sector is something that we can be really proud of as a community, national and international level,” she said. “Cúirt is one of those events which contributes to this.”
Some 2.9 million people are involved in the arts on a regular basis nationally, and some 50,000 people are employed directly in the sector, she said.
Later this year, Galway is to host an Irish-language version of the One city, One Book initiative: "Aon chathair, aon leabhar. Lig Sin i gCathúby the late Breandán Ó hÉithir has been selected for this, Ms Cloake announced.
Writers and poets from the United States, China, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Russia, Canada, Georgia, South Africa, England and Ireland are participating in the week-long programme of events, which will continue until Sunday night when the annual Cúirt debate takes place.
Participants in the debate will include economist Dr Alan Ahearne, recently appointed as special adviser to the Minister for Finance; I rish Timesjournalist Kathy Sheridan; poet and former hedge fund banker Katy Lederer; and musician Paddy Cullivan. The topic is Leadership: Are Economists Replacing Politicians?
The festival has expanded its young people’s programme, with writers including Derek Landy, Tim Bowler, Joe O’Brien and Brianóg Brady Dawson.
There is also an extensive Irish language programme, including dramatisation of the epic An Táinby Colman Ó Raghallaigh.
Tickets for all events can be purchased from Town Hall Theatre 091-569777.