During the centenary year, politics must realise arts deserves better

An infrastructure of people, ideas, and places built up in better times has been ground down, writes Gerard Howlin

On Friday, New Year’s Day, a flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle inaugurates 2016, the centenary of the Easter Rising. Cór na Óg, RTÉ’s talented youth choir will perform. For the State to take centre stage, to project its ideals, it must be accompanied by culture, surrounded by heritage. It’s just a shame it is all for show.

Artists are a constantly sought chorus, enhancing the public realm. It is no accident that Dublin Castle, redolent with history and magnificent public architecture, has been chosen. Architecture too was included in the Arts Act 2003 as an art form, in the hope that, in humble homes and public spaces alike, Irish citizens could live better lives.