Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
733. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department might consider the promotion of jointly-sponsored cultural events with the US over the next two years in a mutually beneficial fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36959/13]
View answerThe Culture Ireland Division of my Department promotes Irish arts abroad and works closely with US partners. Some of the events supported have involved collaborations with US artists and I am pleased that many of these have proved successful. For example, the Irish Arts Centre in New York has been supported annually for concerts to present Irish musicians performing with US musicians and these have served to raise the profile of Irish talent and creativity.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2011 Culture Ireland funded a year of Irish arts in the US involving over 400 events. Throughout that year, more than 1,000 artists and producers from Ireland presented work in a range of art forms, including theatre, music, literature, visual arts, dance and film.
I am acutely conscious that the cultural ties between Ireland and America are unique. By bringing Irish creative talent to audiences across America, we are celebrating that unique shared story and growing key relationships between Irish artists and ensembles and leading US arts festivals, venues and institutions. I remain committed to supporting such endeavour, within the available resources.
