As the directors of several National Cultural Institutions prepare to retire this year JOHN MULCAHY poses the question: is there an intention to downgrade their roles to executive managers – and if so, why?
What a pity that a junior minister, at least, was not appointed in the new Government with sole responsibility for Arts/Culture. We now have had four new cabinet ministers for the Arts in as many years, but in each case the minister’s responsibility has been thrown in with others, thereby diluting whatever time, energy and application he/she could possibly devote to this most important portfolio.
Ahead of Dragana Jurisic’s solo show at the RHA in September we republish Stephanie McBride’s examination of the photographer’s 2011 show at the Droichead Arts Centre, studies of urban survival taken during the Celtic Tiger years, revealing Ireland’s struggling society.
Paul Larmour visits the new theatre, which he describes as a boon for the dramatic arts and the most exciting building in Belfast