Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to be in a position to promote the economic interest of Ireland through cultural activity with particular reference to tourism and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37668/20]
View answerIn line with Government's Global Ireland 2025 initiative, Ireland aims to share our culture more widely and deepen our global links. Through the promotion of Irish arts and culture to new audiences and new generations it is proposed to increase awareness of Ireland’s creative strengths and valued heritage and thereby encourage visitors to Ireland for tourism, education and business purposes.
Culture Ireland supports Irish artists performing internationally. Despite the challenges this year Culture Ireland advanced several innovations to promote Irish arts and culture through online events such as Ireland Performs, where 120 artists presented individual events from their locality and reached a global audience of almost 1 million.
Culture Ireland continues to showcase Irish artists to international promoters with the aim of creating future touring for Irish artists. This included Ireland Music Week with 50 rock/indie bands and Dublin Fringe Festival, as well as the virtual presentation of Irish artists at Philadelphia Folk Festival, for example, which included Tourism Ireland films promoting Ireland as a holiday destination to the festival audience .
Through Culture Ireland my Department continues to support a programme of Irish artists at key cultural centres globally, maintaining links with the diaspora and key tourism and business interests.
The Music Industry Stimulus Package I established in July will help artists and workers in the music industry to create, record and promote new work and allow them continue to connect with global audiences through recordings until a physical presence of Irish artists is again possible globally.
It is for our artists and strong creativity that Ireland is known on the world stage and this brings many benefits to our country. Tourism Ireland and the IDA as well as the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are represented on the Expert Advisory Committee of Culture Ireland and this cross agency representation ensures that all can work together to achieve the aims of Global Ireland 2025.
