Politicians juggle arts commitments

MINISTER FOR Culture Mary Hanafin has said she is “delighted” to see a Cabinet colleague participating in today’s National Campaign for the Arts initiative in Co Galway.

She was speaking before last night’s opening of the 33rd Clifden Community Arts Festival, where she reiterated her commitment to trying to ensure adequate funding for the arts next year.

Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív has been enlisted to recite Irish language poetry, while Fine Gael TD Pádraig McCormack will juggle on the steps of Galway’s Town Hall Theatre as part of the campaign’s programme today.

Four other politicians, including Labour Party president Michael D Higgins, will also perform at an event organised by Lelia Doolan and fellow Galway artists, with Galway Arts Centre director Páraic Breathnach playing master of ceremonies.

Ms Hanafin told The Irish Times she had been unaware Mr Ó Cuív was lending his support, but was “delighted” he was doing so.

“I’ve met with a representative group of artists in Dún Laoghaire, and will be talking to artists today, and I have assured them of my commitment to funding,” she said.

“Next year will be a difficult year, but since my appointment I’ve seen the contribution that arts can make to a community . . . and to cultural tourism.”

Writer Edna O’Brien, musicians Julie Feeney, Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott, artist Ger Sweeney and economic commentator David McWilliams are among contributors to this year’s Clifden programme.

Reggae group Channel One Band performed at last night’s opening by Ms Hanafin.

Archaeologist Michael Gibbons leads one of the 10-day festival’s first events today – a field trip to the Errislannan peninsula from the Alcock and Brown memorial at noon.

Poet Paul Durcan and writer Fr Pat O’Brien are also among participants today.

Artists and writers will work with pupils in Clifden community school during the festival, which involves 100 events and includes an art trail exhibition of artists, including Dorothy Cross, Ger Sweeney, Aideen Barry and emerging artists from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.

For further details on the event log on to festival’s website: clifdenartsweek.ie