merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday) announced funding of almost €700,000 by Culture Ireland to 122 Irish artists and arts organisations to present their work worldwide. The projects, covering circus, dance, film, literature, music, theatre and the visual arts will enable Irish artists to present their work in 35 different countries and build on Ireland's strong global reputation for creativity.

Highlights include a focus on Irish theatre in Canada in early 2017; an exhibition by SO Fine Art Editions at the Chinretsukan Gallery, Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo; and a presentation by Mouth on Fire Theatre Company of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in Tokyo and Kyoto, as part of a programme of cultural events to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“This support provided through my Department by Culture Ireland enables increasing audience numbers to experience Irish artists, who most capably articulate a sense of Ireland's imaginative and creative strengths globally. It is through the work of our artists that many experience Ireland, appreciate our creative capabilities and are encouraged to engage further with our country.

“Presenting their work overseas provides Irish artists with opportunities to access wider audiences and forge new relationships with international venues and organisations. As the promoter of Irish arts internationally, Culture Ireland plays an invaluable role in developing platforms to present outstanding Irish work to international audiences.”

Other highlights from this round of funding include a bilingual presentation by Moonfish Theatre of Galway of "Star of the Sea", which will tour in the US to New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Kansas in September 2017. Twelve Irish traditional bands are being supported to tour to the major festivals in the US this summer, some of which attract audiences of around 100,000. Contemporary dance companies will present their work across Europe and Swan Lake / Loch na hEala by Teac Damsa, a highlight of Dublin Theatre Festival in 2016 will tour to the UK, Russia and Australia from May - December 2017.

Art galleries are being supported to present the work of Irish artists at key art fairs, including Art Basel, Switzerland. Macnas to present a large-scale spectacle, night time parade to an expected audience of 50,000 as part of Hull City of Culture, UK on 11 November 2017, forging important connections for Galway which has been awarded European Capital of Culture 2020.

Notes to Editor:
You can further details on the project at:
http://applications.cultureireland.ie/index.php?r=reports/outcomeGrant&year=2017&program_id=1