Future of Music Mapped Out

Clare People, Tuesday, 4th December 2007

The future of Clare's traditional arts took centre stage last night when people from all over the county gathered for the third meeting of the Clare Traditional Arts Forum. The time for talking was over as the enthuiastic group made provisions to assist individuals and organisations 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 national 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, Ennis.

The Forum, which was established in 2006, aims to strengthen Clare's musical tradition by assisting individuals and organisations to work together on shared projects of interest, thereby putting them in a stronger position for accessing funding at local and national level.

"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," she added.

The benefits of traditional arts forums and networks are widely known and can be seen in various communities throughout 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.

All traditional musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, festival organisers, promoters, traditional arts organisations and anyone involved or interested in the traditional arts attended the meeting facilitated by Margaret O'Sullivan of Key Cultural.

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