Madam, - The recent Aosdána motion on Israel seems to have highlighted issues which are completely aside from the original political agenda. So much of the argument seems to be based on the unreal stipulation that Aosdána members must devote their energies fully to their art and have no other interests or concerns.
There is also much misunderstanding about the financial benefits of being a member of Aosdána. There are currently 227 Aosdána members. Only 115 of these receive the "cnuas". This is essentially means-tested so that the members who have other ways of supporting themselves do not receive the cnuas, an annuity currently valued at €12,180, not significantly higher than unemployment assistance or, say, a Fás grant. Not really much cause for the type of begrudgery expressed by several recent correspondents on this issue and certainly not enough to buy the right of freedom of speech.
Raymond Deane, for example, who David Rolfe insinuates is not fulfilling his artistic responsibility (April 19th) is one of Ireland's most prolific and respected artists, but this does not forfend his political opinions.
The world has always been a better place when there was freedom of expression. Artists seem drawn to comment critically on social and political issues. The fact that Aosdána members were asked to reflect on a particular issue, wether you agree with it or not, is refreshing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if other professionals took time at their agms to reflect on the wider world rather than the usual concerns of more pay, fewer working hours, etc.
There are many flaws in the Aosdána model which were succinctly expressed by David Flynn (April 24th). I would fully agree that there are more effective ways of ensuring that the most needy artists receive State funding. Perhaps it is time, as David Flynn suggests, that the Arts Council considered "scrapping Aosdána and instead putting in structures to provide annual funding to all worthy artists who are in genuine financial need", Perhaps valid free expression would then be allowed to these most articulate of commentators. - Yours, etc,
SIOBHÁN CLEARY, Horsefeathers, Riverstown, Co Sligo.
Madam, - Raymond Deane (April 26th) is wrong to suggest that his musical career is "none of [ my] business". Mr. Deane has received taxpayers' funds as a member of Aosdána and along with other taxpayers I have every right to start asking questions when his fame as a political activist eclipses his fame as a composer. - Yours, etc,
DAVID ROLFE, Leinster Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6.