Menu
26/11/2008
Traditional Music In Focus
There has been a call to put more resources into the traditional arts in Northern Ireland.
A Sinn Féin MLA has called on the NI Arts Council to recruit a full time member of staff for a role as a Traditional Arts Officer.
Speaking yesterday, Barry McElduff, who serves as Chairperson of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee said: "I have written to Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council regarding its allocation of funding for the various art forms in percentage terms.
"The promotion of traditional arts cannot possibly be taken forward without the appointment of a dedicated full-time officer."
He said that, up until recently this post was filled on a full-time basis: "When the post became vacant, however, it was not readvertised as a full-time dedicated post and I believe that the Arts Council is not recognising the true importance or potential of this sector.
"What do tourists look for when they visit any town or village? They want a taste of local culture, including Irish traditional music," he continued.
"There is a vibrant traditional arts scene, largely down to the voluntary efforts, but it needs strategic direction, leadership and support from the Arts Council.
"We only have to look at the massive benefits that a vibrant traditional arts scene which is properly supported can deliver.
"Dublin's Temple Bar 'Tradfest' is growing exponentially, Ennis' Fleadh Nua fills the town each year with thousands of people and the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are all festivals which bring huge prestige and economic benefits to the areas that they are located in," he insisted, but noted that "all of these festivals are a car drive away".
"There needs to be a dedicated full time Traditional Arts officer at the Arts Council. To have anything less would be doing a disservice to one of the most popular art forms in Ireland," he concluded.
(Harry Bradley, an acclaimed traditional Irish music player, from Belfast, is pictured).
(BMcC)
A Sinn Féin MLA has called on the NI Arts Council to recruit a full time member of staff for a role as a Traditional Arts Officer.
Speaking yesterday, Barry McElduff, who serves as Chairperson of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee said: "I have written to Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council regarding its allocation of funding for the various art forms in percentage terms.
"The promotion of traditional arts cannot possibly be taken forward without the appointment of a dedicated full-time officer."
He said that, up until recently this post was filled on a full-time basis: "When the post became vacant, however, it was not readvertised as a full-time dedicated post and I believe that the Arts Council is not recognising the true importance or potential of this sector.
"What do tourists look for when they visit any town or village? They want a taste of local culture, including Irish traditional music," he continued.
"There is a vibrant traditional arts scene, largely down to the voluntary efforts, but it needs strategic direction, leadership and support from the Arts Council.
"We only have to look at the massive benefits that a vibrant traditional arts scene which is properly supported can deliver.
"Dublin's Temple Bar 'Tradfest' is growing exponentially, Ennis' Fleadh Nua fills the town each year with thousands of people and the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are all festivals which bring huge prestige and economic benefits to the areas that they are located in," he insisted, but noted that "all of these festivals are a car drive away".
"There needs to be a dedicated full time Traditional Arts officer at the Arts Council. To have anything less would be doing a disservice to one of the most popular art forms in Ireland," he concluded.
(Harry Bradley, an acclaimed traditional Irish music player, from Belfast, is pictured).
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 April 2010
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
06 August 2021
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Returns
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has announced its return from 02-12 September with a programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre and more.
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Returns
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has announced its return from 02-12 September with a programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre and more.
10 October 2012
Latest City Of Culture News Released
The newest details of the L’Derry City of Culture events programme have been revealed by the Arts Council in Northern Ireland. The news follows an investment of £1m in 18 new arts projects. The funding will support local arts organisations in new artistic ventures, including theatre productions, live music, dance performances and the visual arts.
Latest City Of Culture News Released
The newest details of the L’Derry City of Culture events programme have been revealed by the Arts Council in Northern Ireland. The news follows an investment of £1m in 18 new arts projects. The funding will support local arts organisations in new artistic ventures, including theatre productions, live music, dance performances and the visual arts.
23 November 2009
April Opening For Revamped Arts Centre
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces and photography studios.
April Opening For Revamped Arts Centre
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces and photography studios.
16 February 2011
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
