EAMONN O'DOHERTY,
Sir, - The gentlemanly exchanges between Anthony Cronin and John Banville (December 20th and January 10th) must seem quite unworldly to the majority of Irish artists. For them the problem is not whether to stay in or leave Aosdána, but how to get into the privileged Parnassus in the first place.
Aosdána is a closed shop. "Unsolicited applications will not be accepted" and nomination may only be by "a strong personal recommendation" by two existing members (Aosdána rules pages 13 and 15). This "inheritance clause",formulated immediately by the initial, unelected 96 ex-members, ensured the perpetuation of the character and complexion of the initial Aosdána, as well as facilitating the future election of a disproportionate number of friends, relations and partners of existing members (all, it goes without saying, serious and deserving artists in their own right).
Members of Aosdána enjoy unfair, State-sponsored advantages over non-members. When it comes to competing for the slim pickings in the art world, whether in visual art, publishing or musical composition, all Aosdána members may use the honorific title, which to an outsider could make the difference when buying or commissioning work. This State-sponsored title is certainly against the spirit of the Republic, and probably contrary to the Constitution.
In addition, half the members enjoy a State income (not inconsiderable, about the same as a postman's wages after tax) with the concomitant free time for creative work, while the rest of us must work doubly hard to compete, surviving by means of unrewarding and unpleasant jobs as shop assistants, lounge staff, cleaners, labourers, college lecturers and the like. State subsidy for struggling artists may be a necessity in this society, but there is surely a fairer way of distributing €1 million other than as a yearly handout, as of right, to the life members of an exclusive club.
The money side of things is at least understandable as a justification for the existence of Aosdána. The rest with its Saoi and Toscairí and collars of gold is so much pseudo-Celtic hokum. Just what is Aosdána for and what does it do? Anthony Cronin seems to say its purpose is to make artists feel cherished in society. What about the gritty independence traditionally supposed to set the artist apart from the establishment?
Aosdána's effect on the wider arts community is divisive and negative. For every artist who feels honoured by acceptance there are dozens who feel diminished by rejection. It is feudal and undemocratic, good for the few, bad for the many.
Lastly, to pre-empt the inevitable cries of begrudgery, yes I did apply for membership, 20 years ago when I knew no better; and yes, I was rejected; and yes, I begrudge the members of Aosdána every minute of the unwarranted privilege they have enjoyed since. - Yours, etc.,
EAMONN O'DOHERTY, Marlborough Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.