Before the Government implements their proposed art strategy, Gerry Walker argues that we must redetermine the nature and role of the arts within Irish culture
Richard Bruton inherited a legacy of protracted policy neglect in the arts area when he became Minister for Education in 2016. The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland has been a proactive force in promoting not only the imperatives of its own remit but also in the redefinition of its purpose and identity. It has been an energetic advocate in advancing the promotion of design planning and applications as essential educational tools. The Arts Council, constantly building on its mission to support a wide range of arts activities despite severe financial cutbacks, has been hopeful of Department of Education commitment to a National Cultural Policy as projected in their Culture 2025 document. Both design and the fine arts are largely ad idem on the question of cultural commodification and the demands of the marketplace, yet an air of uncertainty persists among the main players in these culture games.
Eddie Rafferty’s love affair with Africa is manifest at his first major survey exhibition on view this summer at the FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge, writes Riann Coulter.
