Brendan Smith
Ceist:44 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he has to develop cross-Border co-operation on arts and culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12436/95]
Written Answers. - Cross-Border Co-Operation.
The arts and culture sector has an important role to play in promoting an understanding of the different traditions on this island and this is recognised in "The Arts Plan 1995-1997" which sets out through its strategic objectives "to promote North-South co-operation in and through arts".
Through An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, there already exists significant cross-Border co-operation on arts and culture. For some 20 years the two councils have provided joint funding for a range of arts projects in music, dance, literature, visual arts and other art forms. In addition, since the mid-70's the two councils have held an annual joint meeting. This contact has been intensified since last year when, following my meeting with Minister Ancram at Stormont, a high level joint committee involving the chairpersons and directors of both councils was established to seek opportunities for joint projects and to monitor ongoing activities.
This work will be further enhanced with the recent appointment of a Co-operation Officer by the two councils, with specific responsibility for all matters relating to exchange, touring and joint North-South projects. A European Affairs Officer has already been appointed on a joint basis by both councils since 1992.
There is also a considerable Northern input into two cultural projects of major international significance —"L'Imaginaire Irlandais", which will take place in France in 1996 and Ireland's presence as the theme country at the Frankfurt International Book Fair, also in 1996. In the case of the "L'Imaginaire Irlandais" project, which will involve a wide range of contemporary artistic and cultural events, five of the seventeen Irish artists to be featured in the core visual arts exhibition to be held in Paris are from Northern Ireland.
The INTERREG II programme under the EU Structural Funds and the EU Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation will provide opportunities for the further development of cross-Border co-operation.