This article is from page 4 of the 2007-12-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE future of Clare’s traditional arts took centre stage last night when peo- ple from all over the county gathered for the third meeting of the Clare Traditional Arts Forum.
The time for talking was over as the enthusiastic group made provisions to assist individuals and organisa- tions in working together on shared projects of interest.
The aim of the forum was to put those involved in the traditional arts in the county in a stronger position
for accessing funding at local and na- tional levels.
Clare people involved or interested in the traditional arts were urged to consolidate the future development of the sector by attending last night’s meeting in the Old Ground Hotel, Spay AvESe
The forum, which was established in 2006, aims to strengthen Clare’s musical tradition by assisting indi- viduals and organisations to work to- gether on shared projects of interest, thereby putting them in a stronger position for accessing funding at lo-
cal and national level.
“While previous meetings have proven to be a great avenue for dis- cussion 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,’ said 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 Ire- land. 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,” she added.
The benefits of traditional arts fo- rums and networks are widely known and can be seen in various commun1- ties throughout Ireland. For exam- ple, the Roscommon Traditional Arts Forum – the first of its kind in Ireland – has undertaken various projects including the transmission of tradi- tional arts in primary schools and the production of marketing brochures and an on-line archive.
All traditional musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, festival or- ganisers, promoters, traditional arts organisations and anyone involved or interested in the traditional arts attended the meeting facilitated by Margaret O’Sullivan of Key Cul- aubeed