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Irish culture showcase planned for US in 2011
By Noreen Bowden | October 14, 2010
2011 will be an exciting time for lovers of Irish culture in the US, according to Mary Hanafin, Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism. In an answer to written questions in the Dáil, Minister Hanafin revealed plans for Culture Ireland’s showcase of Irish artistic excellence that will be taking place all over the US next year.
Here is what she said:
Culture Ireland is planning a strategic initiative in the United States in 2011 which will showcase Irish artistic excellence in partnership with significant US institutions, venues and festivals. Its objectives are to reinvest in the unique cultural relationship between Ireland and America, strengthen links with the Irish diaspora, enhance Ireland’s reputation and profile as a global leader in creativity, expand the reach of Irish culture to new audiences and provide a strategic platform to promote Irish tourism, trade, investment and innovation.
This initiative was announced by the Taoiseach during his visit to Washington DC in March this year. It draws on the recommendations of the Ireland-US Strategic Policy Review, and also on the strong strategic focus on culture as a unique long-term strength and door-opener for Ireland and Irish business, at the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh.
Mr Gabriel Byrne, in his position as Cultural Ambassador for Ireland, has been closely involved in developing the initiative, in collaboration with Culture Ireland and our Embassy and Consulate network in the US.
The programme, scheduled to run from January to December 2011, will comprise a range of events across artistic disciplines in key cities (for example New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and Philadelphia) and in other locations where there are strong presenting partners. Funding for this strategically important initiative will be made available from my Department’s allocation for 2011 and will be finalised in the context of the ongoing Estimates process.
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December 20th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
We may have lost a lot of pride in the financial world, known as the Celtic Tiger, that we so craved for a time but our powerful cultural traditions remain just as strong and are entirely untarnished. This Culture Showcase 2011 in USA initiative will help re-awaken the c.40 millions of Irish origin, many who call America their home today, and to also refocus us all at home with a new awareness of what matters in our lives, with a collective sharing and exchange of our respective cultural heritage among the Communities wherever the children and descendants of this great Irish nation now call home. It opens up a great unrealised trading potential for all of our Communities to work together towards one common goal, a better future for all.