Artists lost sight of cultural role

Just because your columnist Gerard Howlin (Opinion, Jan 8) is not clear about what the Government is trying to do with Limerick City of Culture does not mean that they aren’t.

Few would disagree with the idea that “the Arts” is little understood. Cultural ambassadors and artistic aficionados believe there is no discipline that nurtures and sparks the cognitive ability to imagine, and unleashes creativity and innovation, more than arts and culture. That is why the arts are important for this country. In stark contrast, there is a widespread acceptance in the USA, for example, that funding for the arts is more motivated by the idea that cultural opportunities are among the things that make cities attractive as places to live, and help firms to attract or maintain people with the skills needed to be competitive.

What is the purpose of the City of Culture? Is it a localised mini-Arts Council, created to boost local artists’ careers and work? Or is its purpose to make Limerick a more attractive place? The much-berated Pat Cox, chairman of the Limerick City of Culture, was quick to point out at the mob meeting on Jan 2 that the City of Culture was not about artists. It was about the city.