Liz McManus
Question:8 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will examine the feasibility of the establishment of a performing arts authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Performing Arts Authority.
I am not certain what the Deputy has in mind in this question but I would regard An Chomhairle Ealaíon as a de facto performing arts authority in that it allocates Government funds for the performing arts including drama, opera, dance and music. An Chomhairle Ealaíon enjoys statutory independence in the exercise of its functions, and its decisions on support are based on the extent to which the qualities of excellence, access, innovation and participation inform the work of the individual or group.
The performing arts sector is not deliberately neglected by the Arts Council; it is neglected because of its wide range of responsibilities. A performing arts authority or council would specifically address the areas to which the Minister referred. Will the Minister consider establishing an authority or council which would have a particular relationship with the educational area and the development of performing arts in our schools?
Discussions are ongoing with my colleague, the Minister for Education, Deputy Bhreathnach, in relation to arts and education, particularly in the context of the preparation of the White Paper on Education. It still remains my view that artistic activities must be moved from the periphery into the centrality of the school curriculum.
Regarding Deputy McManus' query as to whether a separate authority should be established for the performing arts, one must question how wise it would be to remove the responsibility for the performing arts from the Arts Council. The best way to address the issue of the performing arts is through the school curriculum and policy to accommodate that can be considered. The work of the Arts Council may also be considered. I will be considering its work when I constitute the new Arts Council and the requirements of the performing arts will influence my decision in making what I hope will be the best appointments possible.
I do not wish to be dogmatic in regard to how the Minister might seek to develop this area, but some means must be found to address the development, access to and funding for the performing arts as a specific area of concern and link it to the education.
I thank the Deputy for his deep interest in this area. In making provision for the arts one must have regard not just for institutions but for the activity that comprises the arts, particularly the performing arts. This point was made previously. There are many places, including my city, in which there has been a burgeoning of artistic activity in recent years without institutional provision. One must question why provision was not made in the past for this activity. We do not have to make that choice but, in preparing my submissions, for example, for the use of Structural Funds in the period 1994 to 1998, I have had regard to the considerations he mentions and with which I agree.
My final question relates to how funding is allocated in relation to the performing arts, particularly to the provision, for instance, of theatres in our smaller towns. Many of these towns provide small theatres from their own resources but others are not in a position to do that. This specific area must be addressed if we are serious about maintaining populations, particularly young people, in our towns.
I do not interfere with the allocations of the Arts Council as I respect their statutory independence from me. I must fight for funding on their behalf in a capital and current way and provide them with an overall cultural policy. I intend to ensure that in the use of Structural Funds there will be an adequate share for cultural activities. In the course of examining that I will consider where there is a shortfall in facilities. I agree that if access is to be meaningful it is unacceptable that large areas of the country are underfunded. I have certainly borne that in mind in the plans to which I referred.