The notion of an Irish Museum of Modern Art satellite gallery in the West is an appealing one. The obvious model is the Tate Gallery which has established galleries in Liverpool and perhaps more relevantly St Ives in Cornwall, which has a population of 5,500. Closer to home, the National Museum of Ireland opened the Country Life Museum at Turlough Park House in Mayo in 2001.
The idea chimes nicely with IMMA’s mission “to connect audiences and art” and would build on the institution’s programme of lending works to regional galleries and venues. It ticks many other boxes, such as combating the relentless cultural hegemony of the capital.
The board of the museum does not seem entirely convinced, if the minutes of recent board meetings are any guide. They expressed support for the “intriguing prospect” but saw difficulties with the specific project put on the table by chairman David Harvey.
Harvey briefed them on an oven-ready proposal from Ballina in Mayo that was being driven by hotelier and businessman Pearse Farrell. The proposal benefitted from strong local support and a location – the former Garda Barracks – that was adjacent to other cultural attractions, namely the Mary Robinson Centre and the Jackie Clarke Collection. What it didn’t have was money. The Department of Tourism, Culture Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media was to be asked to cough up.
The board was right to express reservations. The idea has merit but good governance and care for State funds requires a more structured approach. The idea is not without precedent. For example, the state helps to fund the National Famine Museum in Strokestown, Roscommon.
In the case of the IMMA, it would be a mistake not to look at other locations. The idea is good and has a wind behind it. But due process need to be followed. It is tedious and expensive, but is the only way when taxpayer’s money is involved. It should involve a call for proposals from other interested parties. Ballina may still emerge on top, but it has to make its case.