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Irish Festival in China.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004

Thursday, 1 July 2004

Questions (42)

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the Irish Festival of Arts and Culture held in China; the details of the Chinese festival to be held here; the purpose and aims of each festival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/04]

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Written answers

The Irish Festival in China, which was formally opened by me in Beijing on 9 May 2004, comprised a total of 27 performances and events from 22 performing groups and leading artists and two exhibitions. The festival in Beijing was included as part of the Meet in Beijing Festival in May, at which Ireland was the featured guest nation. Many of these events transferred to Shanghai, where the entire festival finishes on 3 July with the closing of an exhibition of contemporary art from the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Our programme in China also included a number of artistic collaborations and residencies involving Irish and Chinese artists.

As extensively reported in the Irish and Chinese media, the festival was a great success with Chinese audiences. The events were well attended and many sold out.

The festival in Ireland of Chinese arts and culture encompasses many art forms and includes several Chinese artists in residence. It will open at the Galway Arts Festival with the China Conservatory of Music and the Beijing Academy of Dance in July. Details of the programme are attached for the Deputy's information. The cultural exchange is intended to lead to a greater understanding between our two peoples and should assist in the ongoing development of positive cultural, economic, trade and social relations between our two countries and to raise awareness of Ireland within China as part of the Government's Asia strategy. It is hoped, also, to develop lasting relationships between Irish artists and organisations that will hopefully encourage continuing artistic dialogue between Ireland and China.

Chinese Cultural Programme — Provisional Schedule for 2004

Programme

China Conservatory of Music

Galway Arts Festival, Thursday 15 July

Earagail Arts Festival, Letterkenny, Friday 16 July

Diversions Festival, Temple Bar, Sunday 18 July

Beijing Academy of Dance

Galway Arts Festival, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July

Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Sunday 18 July

The Helix, Dublin, Wednesday 21 July

Chinese Film Festival

Irish Film Institute, Dublin, 24-30 September. Films to be confirmed

Peking Opera of Beijing

National Concert Hall, Dublin, 1 and 3 October. Pre-show talk confirmed

Exhibition of Peking Opera Costumes

NCH foyer as above

Exhibition of Contemporary Art — a collaboration between IMMA and Shanghai Art Museum

IMMA, opens 13 October to January 2005.

Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre

European Capital of Culture, Cork Opera House. 28, 29 and 30 October

Shanghai Percussion Ensemble

European Capital of CultureCork Town Hall — Thursday 4 NovemberGlór, Ennis — Saturday 6 NovemberDublin date — Wednesday 10 November; promoted by Improvised Music Company and venue/date to be confirmed

Beijing People’s Arts Theatre

The Helix, Dublin — 4, 5 and 6 November

Visual Arts in Residence

IMMA, October — dates to be advised by Beijing Municipal Government cultural office

Writers in Residence

October — dates to be advised by China Writers Association

Dancers in Residence

October — dates to be advised by China Dancers Association

Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 39 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
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