Sheridan to highlight value of arts to economy

AUTHOR and playwright Peter Sheridan is expected to reinforce the critical value of the arts to the Irish economy and highlight the need to maintain funding and supports for the sector when he visits Waterford.

The writer will be launching the programme for this year’s Imagine Arts Festival programme and will outline the importance of the arts in Ireland.

The launch is on September 17 at the House of Waterford Crystal.

Now celebrating its 8th year in the south-east, the festival features a programme of more than 80 events running from October 22 to 31.

Acts and performances already confirmed include a staging of The Beauty Queen of Leenane, comedy with Des Bishop and a concert with Jack L.

The 10-day long festival will include theatre, literature, dance, film, visual arts and family-focused events.

Artistic director Ollie Breslin said: “Our festival programme is an exciting one this year with visiting acts like The Unthanks from the UK as well as a renowned, extremely funny Italian Children’s Theatre Company. Home-grown talent is also being showcased and this year’s Imagine line-up includes the premieres of a number of new productions, especially theatre.”