Capital of Culture gets its chance to prove it

THE imminent closure of the Cork Centre for the Unemployed is a calamity for those who need its services. Those committed people running the centre are doing all they can to raise funds just to keep their doors open.

The Government needs to acknowledge their vital input and provide not just emergency but ongoing funding for the centre. If they do not, they will end up having to put in place another service that will cost more in the long run, that is if they care at all for the marginalised.

During its tenure as European Capital of Culture 2005, many politicians will pay lip-service to the need to promote the arts. As it happens, the centre has been a force behind several theatrical productions and the running of weekly classes in creative writing, drama and art over many years.

All one need do is visit 13, North Main Street, request a free copy of their excellent magazine Focus and look up the art pages to realise how the centre facilitates artistic endeavours from the margins. I urge those politicians and others who are serious about the arts in Cork to show their support.

Mike Hegarty

18 Comeragh Par

The Glen

Cork