As part of its sixtieth year celebration, the Arts Council was delighted to welcome the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, accompanied by his wife, Sabina, to its offices at Merrion Square, Dublin. The President addressed an audience of artists, arts managers, former Chairpersons and Directors of the Arts Council. Greeting the President, Chairman Pat Moylan said that ' For over sixty years, since its foundation, the Arts Council has successfully overseen the development of the arts through periods of significant social and economic change. Today, more than ever, I feel the hand of history and the heart and soul of Irish creativity in these rooms. In 60 years, the light has not dimmed in each of the Council's efforts to achieve the best for artists and the people of Ireland and in building the country's self-image and reputation abroad'.
A short video of the President's visit to the Arts Council is available to view on our website.
We have a number of reminders for Award deadlines. The Music Commissions Award, which supports artists' commissions in the field of music, has a deadline of 15 March. The Projects Awards across all artforms for activities commencing in 2012, has a deadline of 29 March; and the closing date for the Deis Recording Award is 5 April.
In our International news we present the Cultural Contact Point (CCP), which provides practical advice and support to those interested in applying for funding under the European Culture Programme 2007-2013. We also have information on an information event hosted by the CCP on EU funding in Cork. The selection results for the EU Culture Programme Strand 3.2 are now available online, details about a European conference on audience development planned for autumn 2012 and you can also find out about the EVE Platform.
Wishing you all the best,
Yours sincerely
Orlaith McBride,
Director, Arts Council
