Irish Examiner view: Covid reminded us why art matters

Rembrandt exhibition being hosted in Cork

Members of the public viewing the exhibition at the Crawford Gallery, Cork City. Picture: Larry Cummins

We have bemoaned, as a society, our lack of access to and support for the arts in the last 18 months as the pandemic struck at the heart of what makes this country tick.

Going to a theatre, a gallery, a gig or a cinema has been impossible. It left a gaping hole in our lives; we lost that chance to be inspired or challenged, to allow ourselves a minute away from normality.