Sir, Louise East suggests that there is a fogginess among artists about the role of Art house, the new multimedia centre for the arts (September 4th). I think the main reason for this is that most artists know very little about digital technology and what it can do for them. The aim of Arthouse is to overcome this deficit.
Arthouse was only launched in June, and when it comes to bringing together previously disparate areas such as art and modern computer technology, it can take a while for uncertainty and fogginess to lift. We already provide numerous training courses for artists, using "state-of-the-art" equipment. Connection to the Artifact library can be accessed from anywhere around the world through the Arthouse Web site.
We have held events using video conferencing, in which Irish artists have worked simultaneously with artists in cities from Paris to Tokyo. We have held a series of seminars exploring what the new information technology age means for artists, and more importantly, what Arthouse can do to help them become a part of it.
A major theme over the winter months to raise awareness is an ongoing series of Open Days addressing the question What's in Arthouse for the Artist?" Information on forthcoming events, including training, production and promotional opportunities, is regularly posted in artists' newsletters and is available on request. Yours, etc., Director, Arthouse, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.