Meet and Greet our new TDs
On Monday 16 May we are organising a nationwide Meet and Greet of the 76 new TDS in their 43 constituencies nationwide. The purpose of these meetings is threefold: we want to engage the new TDs, inform and excite them about the arts in their constituency and get them to commit to continued investment in the arts.
JOIN IN
We have over 40 meetings confirmed covering all 43 constituencies. Full details here. If you'd like to attend a Meet and Greet in your constituency please contact the local organisers, whose details are noted.
CONTEXT
With the new government now in place we have a fantastic opportunity to reframe the argument and make a positive case for the arts. We need to stop talking about cuts and start talking about investment. We need to stop talking about the arts delivering value for money and simply show how the arts are valuable.
The Programme for Government opens with a statement of Common Purpose: ‘the Government for National Recovery will strive to ensure that every one of our citizens has an effective right, free from discrimination, to contribute to the economic social and cultural life of the nation’. It also talks about rebuilding Ireland’s reputation on the international stage, restoring confidence and transforming our country.
There are many deep resonances for the arts within the stated ambitions of our new government. It’s time to make that connection for those in power. Investment in the arts is an investment in Ireland and in the closer realisation of the society we all want.
Meet And Greet Context Intent pdf
INTENT
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ENGAGE
The Meet and Greet is about starting a conversation and growing a relationship. It is also about dialogue. We want the TDs to know that the arts and its people are a powerful resource and that engagement with us makes sense. Equally, we want to find out what area of the arts they might be interested in and/or what their priorities are for the local area. We need to convey our willingness to work with them to affect change. We need to ask – how can we help?
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INFORM
We need to talk about the impact and penetration of the arts locally, and how investment in the arts reaps rich rewards. Ideally you'll tell the good news stories about the arts in your area with a few statistics thrown in for good measure eg:
- how many people participate in the arts annually
- how many people work in the arts in the locale
- the role of the arts as a local tourism driver
- local success stories
- arts initiatives with young people/education
- arts initiatives addressing social inclusion
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COMMIT
Ask them to commit to an active engagement with the arts and to supporting the NCFA call for sustained funding for the arts.