"While previous meetings have proven to be a great avenue for discussion of issues and ideas, this meeting and future meetings will be focused on putting these ideas into action. Some of these actions are already underway so it is, therefore, important that anyone interested in assisting or facilitating actions would be in attendance in Ennis this evening", explained Ms. Tara Connaghan, Traditional Arts Co-ordinator, Clare County Council.
According to Ms. Connaghan, "The Forum has been set up by the Arts Office of Clare County Council with support from the Arts Council of Ireland. The role of the Arts Office is to organise meetings, offer support, advice and assistance as required. The forum members determine the activities of the forum."
"The Clare Traditional Arts Forum will open up various opportunities for the traditional arts in Clare where people can get support for ideas or projects they want to undertake. It has been a year since the first meeting, and we will be reporting back on key actions undertaken in relation to the ideas, discussions and issues that have been raised", Ms. Connaghan added.
The benefits of traditional arts forums and networks are widely known and can be seen in various communities throughout the Ireland. For example, the Roscommon Traditional Arts Forum - the first of its kind in Ireland – has undertaken various projects including the transmission of traditional arts in primary schools and the production of marketing brochures and an on-line archive. Elsewhere, 'Feadogmor Music' produced the CD 'Flute Players of Roscommon, Vol. 1' showcasing a number of stalwart flute players in Roscommon.
The Clare Traditional Arts Forum, meanwhile, will hold its third meeting this evening, having met previously in June 2007. All traditional musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, festival organisers, promoters, traditional arts organisations and anyone involved or interested in the traditional arts are invited to attend the meeting in the Maguire Suite of the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis today at 6.30pm. Margaret O'Sullivan of Key Cultural will facilitate the meeting.
Notes of previous meetings are available in the 'Arts Projects' section of the Clare Arts Office website at www.clarelibrary.ie/
-ENDS-
Note to Editors:
- Ms. Tara Connaghan is available for interview or further comment. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or email media@dunphypr.com
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
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media@dunphypr.com
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