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Arts & the Economy Debate – report

Arts & the Economy Debate

By Caroline Brady

The burning topic of the Arts and the Economy, the Irish Pen debate exploring the role and vital contribution of the Irish arts to the national economy, had rebellious attendees out in their droves on April 15th 2010 at the United Arts Club. 

A panel of experts, Aidan Burke, Operations Director with the Arts Council, Claire Doody, Project Manager for the Cultural Odyssey Project, set up by Dermot Desmond following the Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh, Gerry Godley, Director of the Improvised Jazz Company, broadcaster and spokesperson for the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA), Declan Kiberd, literary critic and Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin, Arthur Lappin, Film and Television Producer, In America, My Left Foot, The Field and Some Mother’s Son and a packed audience discussed the topic.

The debate was attended by journalists, directors, writers, civil servants and students.  Arguments mooted were whether the Arts should be an agent for change and whether the time for lobbying is over and direct action required.

Voices filled the packed room until well after 10.30 pm when everyone then adjourned to the bar to continue deliberations on the value of the arts to Ireland’s economic and social recovery.

April 15th Debate: the Arts & the Economy in Ireland

The Big Debate

The Arts and the Economy

When?        Thursday 15th April 2010 at 8pm.

Where?      United Arts Club, 3 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

Irish PEN, in association with Dublin City Arts 0ffice, is delighted to announce its forthcoming debate on the Arts and the Economy.

Panellists are:

Aidan Burke, Operations Director with the Arts Council.

Claire Doody, Project Manager for the Cultural Odyssey Project, set up by Dermot Desmond following the Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh.

Gerry Godley, Director of the Improvised Jazz Company, broadcaster and spokesperson for the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA)

Declan Kiberd, literary critic and Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin.

Arthur Lappin, Film and Television Producer, In America, My Left Foot, The Field and Some Mother’s Son

The debate will explore the role, and vital contribution, of the Irish arts for the national economy, adds to the current public deliberations on the value of the arts to Ireland’s economic and social recovery.

Ticket prices are €3 Irish PEN members, €5 non-members.

All are welcome. Early booking advisable as places are limited.

E-mail info@irishpen.com or phone: 087 966 0770.