In this centenary year, let’s get behind the arts in Ireland

Sheila Pratschke says we need to restore confidence in our cultural community to realise art is important in creating a society first and not economy first

Hollywood awards nominations have been heaped on Irish film this year, honouring talent, making us proud.

At the roll-out of the red carpet, we crowd-cluster around Irish arts and culture. However, for artists in film and other disciplines, crowds and red carpet are an exception. Being an artist is a vocation. It defines who you are as much as what you do. And yes, success is sweet when it comes and should be celebrated.