A healthy arts sector where creativity is cherished and where as many as possible enjoy the arts is fundamental to a healthy, caring society, writes John O'Donoghue
To many, progression from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism may not seem the most obvious career path. However, I was particularly pleased to be nominated by the Taoiseach to take responsibility for such a diverse and stimulating portfolio, in which the arts play such an essential role. Creative and interpretative artists are vital members of society to whom we sometimes turn to find comfort or to try to make sense of events. I look forward to a constructive engagement with the sector during my time as Minister.
In defining the fundamental areas I want to address during my time as Minister for the Arts, my starting point is my belief that a healthy arts sector - one where creativity is cherished and encouraged and where as many as possible can participate in and enjoy the arts - is fundamental to a healthy and caring society.
There have been a number of significant developments over the past number of years. State funding for the arts, as delivered through the Arts Council, has increased by about 80 per cent since 1997. Infrastructure for the arts and for cultural activities generally has significantly improved through schemes administered by my Department, with theatres, museums, and integrated arts centres among the facilities provided all around the country. In addition, local authorities have become far more active players in the arts within their administrative areas.
The challenges to be faced are therefore ones of enhancement and sustainability. The Programme for Government contains the commitment to support implementation of the Arts Council's third arts plan. We will have to do so, however, against the background of the less favourable economic environment in which we now find ourselves.
I will continue the work begun by my predecessor of providing an appropriate legislative framework for Government support for the arts.
The fundamentals of the Arts Bill are to recognise that there is a Minister for the Arts at Cabinet, to adjust the structures of the Arts Council in the light of experience, and to secure greater coherence across public agencies dealing with the arts. I have initiated the second-stage debate on the Bill in the Dáil, and I will reflect carefully on the comments of deputies and others on it. If its impact on the arts sector can be enhanced in any way, I remain open to the possibility of amending it as it progresses through the Oireachtas.
Children's experiences of the arts during their early school years are critical to their attitude towards the arts for the rest of their lives. At this young stage their minds and hearts can be opened to appreciate that which is creative and to see value in something other than the material things that are so sought after by society today. In this regard, many teachers and schools already do wonderful work and I will, as a priority, be talking to my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, as to how my Department's resources and expertise - and indeed that of the wider arts sector - could offer more assistance and encouragement to the artistic development of children of all ages.
Public art provides important commissions and high visibility for artists, as well as access for many to original works of art. To bring more clarity and consistency to the practices applied by those commissioning public art, I will shortly establish an inter-departmental committee to develop standards of good practice in this area.
The Abbey Theatre celebrates its centenary in 2004 and has an enormous cultural and historical resonance both at home and abroad. This Government is committed to providing new premises for the theatre. I will be paying close attention to ensuring that this project is successfully implemented, and that the end product will make this and future generations proud.
The National Concert Hall has served the Irish public well since its establishment in 1981. However, I know that there are serious deficiencies at the present location that must be addressed. If modernisation cannot take place effectively at Earlsfort Terrace we shall have to look elsewhere. I expect exciting times ahead for the NCH.
Another aspect of my arts portfolio relates to the film sector, and the restructured Irish Film Board is pro-active in driving forward the Irish film industry. I will be working with the board to ensure that this sector makes a real contribution to the cultural life of the nation and to our economy. I will also be active in promoting Ireland as a first-rate location to make films.
The national cultural institutions have, in recent times, brought on stream major development projects. The National Gallery has opened its magnificent new Millennium Wing, the Chester Beatty Library has relocated to Dublin Castle, and the National Museum has opened a new facility at Turlough Park House near Castlebar. Each of these projects has won prestigious awards. It is my belief that all the cultural institutions continue to play a vital role in explaining our history and heritage to Irish citizens and to our visitors. I will support the provision of funding for projects that will clearly enhance our ability to preserve, present and interpret our national collections to Irish people and visitors alike.
Many will be aware that 2004 marks the 100th anniversary of Bloomsday. Ireland and Dublin need to make a particular effort to celebrate this special day. I have been considering the best ways in which this celebration should be helped and I will shortly be in touch with the various interest groups to bring them together on this. We should make this a very exciting event.
I hope to be able to say, by the end of my time at the helm of the arts portfolio, that I kept what was good, improved what was less good, and contributed effectively to a vibrant artistic community.
It will be a challenge, but one to which I look forward, and I am privileged to have the opportunity of undertaking it.
Mr O'Donoghue is Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism