Madam, - The news that the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre in Foster Place, Dublin is to be closed comes as a huge shock to Poetry Ireland. This vibrant arts venue was established and run successfully at a time of relative economic recession. It has made a welcome and necessary contribution to the arts.
Now, with banks posting record profits, the centre is to be closed because of economic necessity or downsizing? The centre's busy programme of readings, lectures, music recitals and exhibitions will be missed most of all by the public, including students and tourists, who frequented the place. This closure also highlights the lack of venues for arts events in Dublin's city centre. - Yours, etc,
JOE WOODS, Director, Poetry Ireland, Proud's Lane, Dublin 2.