Ireland’s international image to get cultural makeover

IRELAND’S cultural image on foreign shores will no longer be dominated by Plastic Paddy pubs and Riverdance.

The Government is going spend €2 million a year on exporting Irish culture abroad, under a new plan to be outlined by Minister for Arts, John O’Donoghue, tomorrow.

‘Culture Ireland’ will provide funding to Irish artists, musicians, writers, poets, filmmakers and theatre groups to travel to foreign countries to promote Irish arts and culture abroad.

The new body will be based within the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, where it will have a small staff of two or three.

The independent board of Culture Ireland, appointed by the Minister, will be responsible for allocation of funds to applicant groups.

According to Minister O’Donoghue’s spokesman, the plan is basically to provide a more cohesive approach to the promotion of Irish culture abroad.

“It’s building upon on the success of the EU Presidency culture programme,” the spokesman said.

Funding will be available to promote music, dance, film, theatre, art, literature and some specific cultural projects. The money will cover fees, travel and accommodation costs for groups and individuals involved.

Although the initial budget is €2 million, the Minister is keen to increase that allocation in coming years.

“The board will be asked by the Minister to come back within a year with a strategic plan,” the spokesman said.

Culture Ireland replaces the Cultural Relations Committee, which had an annual budget of €600,000.