Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2010
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her preferred options for the promotion of cultural activities for the future with a view to creating a greater awareness of our culture abroad, with consequent benefit to tourism and the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14236/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to develop cultural activities at home and abroad with a view to maximisation of a positive national image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14246/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 162 together.
Over the past year and arising from the Global Irish Economic Forum held in Farmleigh, culture has come into renewed focus as a unique national asset and our greatest competitive advantage as a "door opener" in developing important economic and tourism links. We should never take for granted the extraordinary global profile of Irish arts and culture, which continues to be a unique defining factor driving Ireland's international reputation for creativity, imagination and innovation.
As part of the drive to implement the recommendations of both the Global Irish Economic Forum and the Ireland-US Strategic Policy Review, and to maximise the competitive advantages culture offers, two recent initiatives have focussed on the promotion of Irish culture in the United States as a key priority. Firstly, the Government created the honorary position of Cultural Ambassador and confirmed Gabriel Byrne as the first appointee to this new role.
Secondly, a special Irish arts season is to take place in the US in 2011 organised by Culture Ireland, who will collaborate with other State Agencies and the Department of Foreign Affairs in presenting an ambitious programme of events to showcase world class Irish artists and companies. It is intended that this initiative will raise the long-term profile of Irish culture in the US and generate new creative and business opportunities for Irish artists and companies. It also represents a further investment in our unique relationship with America and with the Irish diaspora.
In addition to these new initiatives, Culture Ireland will continue to promote Irish artists and arts companies worldwide, generating goodwill and influence for Ireland and highlighting the strength of Irish culture and creativity. Working in close partnership with other State Agencies including Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, Culture Ireland will also seek to leverage opportunities to mobilise Ireland's cultural reputation for the benefit of tourism, trade and investment.
