Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2016
189. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will begin preparation of a global arts forum for Ireland, similar to the structure of the Global Irish Economic Forum, which would highlight our indigenous talent and map a strong and healthy future for arts and culture at home and abroad. [31306/16]
View answerMy Department through Culture Ireland supports Irish artists to present their work worldwide. This serves to raise the global awareness of the strong reputation of the Irish arts sector, generate new career opportunities for Irish artists and develop new audiences abroad for Irish artists. My Department continues to work with the Global Irish Network , which has to date made many significant achievements in relation to highlighting Ireland's creativity on the world stage. I consider that this is the most appropriate vehicle in which to highlight the achievement of Irish creativity as part of a wider cross- sectorial partnership. Most notable in terms of this collaborative approach have been Irish Design 2015, with which my Department had a significant engagement in relation to the international programme, and the Imagine Ireland programme in 2011.
This model of supporting major arts initiatives internationally continues this year with the I am Ireland programme – the international arts element of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which includes over 550 separate performances and exhibitions with a special focus in key territories - United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia. This programme reflects that interest in Irish artistic excellence continues to grow internationally and recognises that this centenary year offers a unique opportunity to build on Ireland's cultural connections and share the talents of Irish artists through many special and diverse events around the world.
I anticipate that my Department will be closely involved with the Second Global Irish Civic Forum, which the Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs and International Development, Joe McHugh, TD, has convened to meet in Dublin Castle on 2-3 February 2017. The Civic Forum seeks to bring together representatives of the multitude of organisations working with the Irish diaspora around the world to share ideas and to discuss issues of common concern. I understand that it is proposed that the Second Civic Forum will look at a number of issues of interest to Irish communities around the world, including culture and the role of cultural heritage in engaging with our Global Irish.
