Why the arts are central to economic
and social recovery.
1. The arts and our reputational capital
Every day without fail, on the world’s cinema screens, bookshelves, theatres and concert stages, Irish artists are our perpetual trade mission, defending and redeeming our global reputation at a time when it is under the most rigorous scrutiny, and offering the most spirited riposte to the perception of a nation in duress. We are economically bloodied, we are culturally unbowed.
“Most Americans encounter Ireland today through culture: whether that is Irish dance and music, Irish film, Irish writing or an Irish play on Broadway. We have to be prepared to invest in our cultural infrastructure here, as we do in Ireland. As a first step, I am asking Culture Ireland with the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to prepare a series of high profile cultural events in this country in 2011 to take advantage of recovery”. — Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Spring 2009, speaking in New York.
“The Government firmly believes that our cultural and artistic reputation is one of our most potent calling cards internationally and it is imperative that we continue to fund and support activity in this sector in the coming years.” — Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism at Edinburgh Festival, Aug 09
According to the statistics compiled from box office host venues presenting Irish work overseas verify that over 500,000 people worldwide attended a theatre and/or dance performance by an Irish company in 2008.
Recent International Awards for Irish Artists
- 1 Tony Award 2008, five nominations
- 1 Grammy 2007
- 2 Academy Awards 2008, five nominations
- 2 Golden Globes 2009, three nominations
- Man Booker Prize winners 2005 and 2007, shortlisted 2004, 2008, longlisted 2009
- 7 Edinburgh Fringe Firsts for Irish theatre and dance shows over three years (2005-2008)