SIAMSA TÍRE RESPONDS: ‘The last thing we want is for Carraig to go to a developer’
SIAMSA Tíre has said it is doing everything to ensure that whoever buys Teach Siamsa na Carraige will maintain it as an ‘Irish language and arts asset for the community’.
Meanwhile it is now planning on relaunching Teach Siamsa in Finuge with a programme of increased activities focusing on Irish culture, heritage and, crucially, teaching.
Acting Siamsa CEO Nicola Hopcroft told The Kerryman that the company will continue ‘to be the guardian and champion of the traditional Irish arts and language.’
“The sale of Carraig is a means to help future proof the organisation to help it do that,” Ms Hopcroft insisted.
“The last thing we want is for Carraig to go to a developer and we have been actively looking for and speaking to interested acquirers who will maintain the Teach as an Irish language and arts asset for the community, run by the community while continuing the connection with
Siamsa Tíre.
“Furthermore, we have plans to relaunch Teach Finuge with significantly more activities focusing on Irish culture, heritage, and teaching to pass on our traditions in line with our original purpose,” Ms Hopcroft said.
The acting CEO spoke of the massive changes witnessed by the company over the past half century: “Our multi-generational community of traditional artists and supporters are important to us and we have seen much change over the last 50 years. It is important to us that we honour our foundation and how we have evolved, but also recognise that our environment has changed and how this impacts us as an organisation.
“Change is key to the success of all organisations to ensure a sustainable future and Siamsa Tíre is no different.
“We all want to ensure that we are around for another 50 years and beyond, continuing to sustain, explore and share the traditionals arts in all its forms, past, present and future.
“We have been and will continue to consult with our community to make this happen.
“There is a bright future ahead for our traditions and great opportunities for our community of artists if we continue to work together to build on the foundations that we have.
“We would welcome approaches by anyone interested in being a part of this journey and investing in the traditional arts in Carraig and they can contact me directly through our Box Office (066 7123055).”