Enthusiastic response to Creative Ireland Programme

THE large turnout at the public meeting for the roll out of Creative Ireland augurs well for the success of the programme which aims at harnessing the enthusiasm shown for the 1916 centenary celebrations to foster the arts and culture as an vital part of Irish society.

Bellingham Castle proved an attractive venue for the meeting which attracted over 150 people, representative of all strands of the arts, culture and community throughout the county.

An overview of what the Creative Ireland programme, which runs from 2017 to 2022 was given by Michael O’Reilly, Creative Ireland, Feargal Ó Coigligh, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council and Arts Officer Brian Harten spoke of how it would be implemented in Co Louth.

Those in attendance got the opportunity to air their views and discuss what they heard in group discussions after the presentation.

The overall reaction to the programme was very positive as those in attendance welcomed the opportunity to get together and discuss how the various arts, cultural and community sectors can work together.

The meeting also gave people the chance to network and see what was happening in different parts of the county which is served by An Tain Arts Centre in Dundalk and the Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda, as well as several independ- ent venues and galleries.

The next part of the five year programme in Louth will see the publication of a plan by the local Creative Ireland committee which will detail how it is rolled out in the Wee County.

The availability of funding to support the aspirations set out in Creative Ireland will be a key factor in its success.

The first event held under the Creative Ireland banner was the Cruinnú na Cascá family day at Mellifont Abbey on Easter Monday.