Sir, I hope that Paddy Woodworth's article in your paper on 5th October will be studied by those people responsible for funding the arts in this country, notably the Ministry of Arts and Culture, and the Arts Council.
Our country is judged abroad not only by the beef and beer that it produces, but by its contribution to civilisation. And our customary policy, when we are invited to give evidence of our artistic life, is usually inept. The familiar attitude of "It'll be alright on the night" is evidence that those in charge do not take our art seriously.
Further to this, the art which receives least attention is that of music; perhaps the most powerful and subtle of all the arts. Irish music consists of more than traditional music and commercial pop; it includes the kind that demands a lifetime of single minded study to produce. And this music is given minimal support.
In a number of European countries and in North America, I have given illustrated talks on the splendid works written in Ireland in the past thirty years. Always I have been depressed by the comments of "I didn't know anyone in Ireland was writing this sort of thing". Introduced to our symphonic and chamber music and songs, audiences have been warmly receptive.
I submit that the making of out music is as important as the making of our laws. Will someone in authority please take note? Yours, etc.,
(Member of Aosdana),
Wyvern,
Killiney, Co Dublin.